#they’re magic sticky notes lol

[the-illustrative-interloper]

I wasn’t quite happy with Robyn’s design, so I redid her outfit! I like this look much better tbh, I think it suits her in a more dark-academia, daughter-of-an-arcane-bookseller style.

[taevbears]

Magic Shop - 12

Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.

⤑ pairing: OT7 x witch!reader, Namjoon focused ⤑ genre: magic au, romance, angst, hurt/comfort, found family, domestic/slice of life, action/adventure ⤑ rating: 18+ ⤑ word count: 11.2k ⤑ warnings: lol idk what it is about namjoon that makes me so feral but explicit & implied smut (penetrative, 34+35, face-riding, daddy kink), description of body horror, mentions of death & past traumas, pet names (baby). ⤑ note: lmao bc the way i've been working on this chapter since the end of last year, and it's FINALLY being posted. i've been in this weird slump with my writing, so i hope that this is ok lol. enjoy, and i'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter! :)

Chapters: Series Masterlist | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15

“You’re so annoying,” you complain, shutting the door behind you. Your next lecture is in half an hour, but Hoseok will be looking for you soon.

The two of you have about fifteen minutes.

“I’ll be fast,” Namjoon promises, already pulling off his top. His roommates aren’t in. They’re most-likely hanging out in the common rooms and won’t be back for a while.

It’s just you and him.

And the paramour secret that hangs between you two.

Your back is pressed against the door as you eye him. In just his slacks, he looks like sin. Tall and muscular, sun-kissed skin, broad shoulders and long arms. Blessed with the perfect body proportions. The hunger in your eyes grows the longer you stare.

“We shouldn’t keep doing this.”

It’s what you tell him every time, but you lift your skirt. His gaze automatically locks onto your thighs as he unbuckles his belt, and his cock twitches with interest when he catches a peek of your panties.

His voice is husky when he asks, “Should we stop?”

He already knows the answer. It’s the same as it always is.

“No,” you reply, tilting your head slightly. A daring gesture as a coy smile dances on your lips. You slowly loosen the buttons of your blouse one by one. His gaze lifts to your face as you whisper, “Want you, daddy.”

Namjoon wants you more.

Without another second to waste, his long strides close the distance between you two. Strong hands impatiently yanking at the fabric of your clothes as he leans down to kiss you at last.

Namjoon wakes, sticky with sweat.

The bed he’s on is bigger and more comfortable than the cheap bunk at his dorm. The white duvet – kicked to the floor at some point of the night – is thick and weighted; a godsend compared to the thin, itchy blanket he was given when assigned to his room. The bedroom itself, curated to his taste, is woodsy, minimalistic, and bold: favorite art pieces hang on the walls and decorate the space that reflect his current moods, a private library with books that frequently changes to new titles whenever he finishes reading some, and bonsais that he’s been taking care of are starting to bloom flowers.

It takes him a moment, but he realizes he’s no longer a student nor an enchanter at Blackstone Castle.

A sigh falls from his lips as he runs his fingers through his damp hair.

Another dream about you.

He’s been doing that a lot lately. Dreaming of you.

You, sneaking into his bed after lights out and everyone else is asleep. You, taking his hand and leading him into secluded places between classes and when things at the shop are slow. You, climbing over his lap with your hands steady on his shoulders as he holds your waist, loving the way you look on top of him.

Once upon a time, when all this initially started, Namjoon thought it’d never go beyond a physical affair. The two of you were clearly attracted to each other. When the stress of exams, a looming Harrowing, and the competitive streaks between you two became too much, you often sought each other out.

But at some point, Namjoon realized it was starting to mean something more to him.

At some point, Namjoon realized it was because he was falling in love with you.

And somehow, at some point, you started to fall in love with him too.

You, dedicated and hardworking, quiet and serious with your studies, and burning with a hunger for knowledge and an eagerness to test your limits. You, also kind and caring, loyal and protective of the people you love deeply, and who’ve dreamed of opening this shop of comfort to help people. You, who carries the warmth and radiance of the sun, beautiful in the way that starlights compliment the night sky, and yet look to the shadows of the moon at him.

Love to Namjoon is still… a new concept. 

There are days where he isn’t entirely sure what he’s doing or what the future holds with you. There are days where he questions why you even love someone like him when the others could be much better lovers.

It’s like fire. Pretty to admire, comforting to feel its warmth; a guidance of light through a dark and harsh world, but never to touch. Never his to claim and hold as the shadows of loneliness and insecurity grow around him. Love burns as fire does, leaving nothing but scalding embers and ash as its remains.

He loved his family, but they had easily given him up after he awakened his magical powers, even though he desperately ran away from towers and fortresses to beg for their forgiveness. He loved his hometown in the countryside, but he still remembers the look of hatred on the villagers’ faces once they found out what he was and deemed him a monster. He loved his friend, Ignis, and his untimely death by the cruel hands of hunters is still a burden Namjoon is forced to carry with him.

But there are days where love just feels… nice. 

Where, in the early morning, when he’s getting ready for a run by the river, you’d stumble down the stairs shortly after him with your hair still a bit messy from sleep and your eyes barely open, and simply ask if he wants coffee and breakfast with you now or when he comes back. 

Where, more often than he’d like to admit, a spell backfires and instead of changing the temperature of the shop, he ends up casting a sleeping spell on all the patrons, and you end up fighting your drowsiness to set things right, never once berating him or making him feel bad for any harmless accidents.

Where, after a long day, the two of you wind down together, sprawled in his library nook downstairs, not really talking to each other – too caught up in your own readings for conversation – but finding each other’s presence comforting nonetheless as he uses your thighs as a pillow while you absently run your fingers through his hair, or when you’d prop your legs over his lap as he gently massages your calves.

If Namjoon could write a million poems to describe how he feels around you, it still wouldn’t be enough. With you, he feels safe. With you, he feels comfortable. With you, he feels accepted, despite all his flaws and mistakes.

Namjoon loves you more than anyone he’s ever loved before. From the days you two were just students in Blackstone Castle to now. He loves the shop, the family it has brought together, the freedom of being himself – an ordinary man who likes books, nature, and art – without being condemned for his affinity to magic.

But like his family, his hometown, and even Ignis, he’s afraid that one day, you, the home you built with him, and the family you both found will all disappear.

And it’ll be his fault.

With a deep, frustrated sigh, Namjoon forces himself to sit up.

Before, he used to dream a lot about all the things he’s loved and lost. He recalls every detail of it: the day of his awakening, the fires that destroyed his home, how often he ran away to apologize to his parents, the screams of agony when he had to leave his only friend behind.

Now, Namjoon dreams about you.

You’re everything he loves.

You’re everything he’s afraid to lose.

“I’m heading out now!” Seokjin calls out, putting on his shoes by the front door.

“Okay, be safe,” you tell him, coming to the entryway to see him out. Seokjin promises he will and pulls you in for a kiss.

Behind the counter, Namjoon finds himself looking away.

Recently, Seokjin started his own guild with his friends from the Freelancers. After a mission involving mages went awry, they left their old organizations and started calling themselves the Oathkeepers. As a newly-established guild, most of their work comes from notices placed on the town’s community board, or word-by-mouth from people who’ve hired them before.

Things have slowed down a lot compared to how busy they were in their former guild. Seokjin was hardly home, and when he was, he was exhausted. While it’s nice to see the former warden around the shop these days, Namjoon can tell that the thrill of excitement and adventures are sorely missed, as well as the amount of coins he was able to collect after each successful quest they’ve completed.

“Can we go too?” Jungkook asks, already slipping a rucksack over his shoulder.

“Please,” Taehyung tacks on, honey-colored eyes wide and pleading as he stares directly at you.

Your lips part with an almost-spoken answer until you catch yourself, and helplessly look toward Namjoon with a face that’s just about ready to give anything the raven familiar desires.

Namjoon sighs. He can’t blame the two youngest for wanting to go with Seokjin. Whatever adventures he has planned today are far more appealing than being stuck in the shop all day. Even though, at the shop, Taehyung normally follows Hoseok around, and Jungkook quietly admires Namjoon doing mundane work.

“Sure, why not?” He decides with a shrug. “Be careful and listen to Jin-hyung, though.”

“Yes!” Taehyung and Jungkook cheer and high-five each other.

“Okay, okay. Let’s go. The others are waiting for us,” Seokjin urges before turning to you again. He kisses you one more time and adds, “We’ll be back before dinner.”

“Bye, hyung. Bye, kids. Look out for each other,” Hoseok reminds them, standing beside you with Yoongi in his arms. The black cat looks comfortable in Hoseok’s hold, pointed ears twitching as he turns his head to look at the others.

“We will,” Jungkook promises, nearly bouncing on his feet with excitement. A sheepish smile spreads on his face as he caresses your cheek and kisses you sweetly. “We’ll be going now.”

“Don’t miss us too much, darling,” Taehyung teases when it’s his turn, tilting your chin up and diving in for a goodbye kiss as well. He smirks at the flustered look on your face as Seokjin calls for them to hurry up.

As you watch them leave, Hoseok nudges you. There’s a knowing look on his face when he comments, “You look tempted to join them.”

“It does seem fun,” you acknowledge with a small sigh. Seokjin makes his quests sound so thrilling and perilous, even if you know he exaggerates a bit just to impress you most of the time.

Namjoon frowns and speaks up. “I’d rather you stay here.”

You turn to him, a bit defiant, and place a hand on your hip. “Why? Think I can’t do it?”

“Ooh,” Hoseok utters with a smile. He and Yoongi look between you and Namjoon with mild amusement.

“It’s not that,” he retorts, nearly rolling his eyes. He knows that you’re perfectly capable of becoming an adventurer and would be a great asset to the Oathkeepers. “What Jin-hyung and the others do is dangerous.”

“I can handle danger,” you tell him. Hoseok nods his head and agrees you can. Without looking away from Namjoon, you give your best friend a high-five.

“Here is safe,” Namjoon argues with a finality in his voice. He frowns when he looks at you. “And I don’t want you to get hurt.”

It occurs to you and Hoseok that Namjoon is being very serious.

“Namjoon, we’re just kidding,” Hoseok quickly assures him. “Neither of us are going anywhere. The shop is our responsibility.”

“Yeah. And even if I did go on a quest with Jin, you don’t need to worry about me.” You walk up to Namjoon and take his hands in yours. “I can handle myself, Namjoon.”

Words you’ve told him repeatedly, even before the night of your Harrowing back in Blackstone Castle. In the library where he’d always run into you.

“I know you can, baby.” He brings your hands to his lips and kisses your knuckles. “If it comes to that, just promise you’ll come back to me, okay?”

Before Jungkook was turned into a toad by an evil witch, he was an adventurer. He joined a guild with some same-age friends, traveled far from home, saw rare sights, fought challenging beasts, and visited beautiful places. Excitement and wonder were at every corner.

But this…

“Your grand task today,” Seokjin informs as he unceremoniously hands a stack of fliers each to Taehyung and Jungkook, “is to pass these out and put them around town.”

This isn’t it.

Jungkook glances down at the posters. Since the Oathkeepers are still new, Seokjin and the others have been trying to promote their guild and ask around for work. The neat calligraphy and the print of their symbol is a way to do just that.

“Actually, I think Hoseok-hyung might need my help at the shop after all,” Taehyung tries to back out. This isn’t the kind of quest he had in mind either.

“You’re already here. Just help out a little,” Seokjin pushes, holding out a flier from his own stack and handing it to someone who curiously grabs it. “This will help attract people to our shop too.”

Taehyung pouts, but relents. “Fine. But I want to go on a real adventure next time.”

“Hyung, I think I can finish my stack faster than you,” Jungkook suddenly challenges. 

Taehyung’s golden eyes light up with a competitive streak. “You’re on.”

“Wait,” Seokjin begins, suddenly feeling left out. He starts to shove his fliers in the arms of people passing by. “This isn’t a contest. You guys…”

Without waiting for Seokjin to finish, both Taehyung and Jungkook dart off to opposite directions. His hands work quickly as he slides the fliers under doors, sticks them on the walls, and hands them out to whoever he sees.

“Please come to our shop,” Jungkook says, handing one of the last ones to a guy in a cloak. Most of the people he had passed them to merely glance at them without another thought, but this stranger stops and reads through it.

“Kim Seokjin?” he reads out loud, as if the name is familiar to him.

Jungkook pauses and looks at the mysterious stranger. The cloak covers most of his face and body, but he meets his eyes with a look of curiosity. With a tilt of his head, Jungkook asks, “You know my hyung?”

The stranger nods. “Hey kid. Do you happen to know a guy named Kim Namjoon?”

When Seokjin and the others return to the shop, they aren’t alone.

“Well, well,” a familiar voice says as he steps inside. He pulls down the hood of his cloak, revealing his handsome face. “I knew you’d be together, but I never thought I’d find you all here.”

“Jackson?!” Namjoon’s mouth drops, knocking over the chair he was sitting on as he rushes to greet his friend. The two clasps hands and pull each other into a quick hug.

Hoseok laughs in disbelief, welcoming him as well in a similar manner. “Hey, man! It’s good to see you!”

“Likewise,” Jackson replies with a big smile. He looks around the shop, in awe as he takes it in all. “So, this is where you guys have been hiding.”

The walls are painted bright, vivid colors. There’s a mix-mash of furniture, from old antiques and oddities to more modern pieces. The cozy entrance where you all stand divides the parlor and the tavern, and upstairs are the private rooms of the residents.

Perhaps to regular humans, it’s just a quirky shop. But for a mage like Jackson, he can feel the magical energy: the warmth of it on his fingertips, the whimsical lightness that eases his worries away, the safety from the protection spells cast in every room.

A kind of place that’s easy to overlook, yet brings in a strange sense of comfort that he hadn’t felt in quite some time.

“Like it?” you ask with a bright smile, shoulders rising with pride. “This is our home.”

“It’s incredible,” he tells you, thoroughly impressed. His voice softens as he adds, “I didn’t think I’d ever run into a place like this.”

“Who is he, babe?” Jimin asks you, curious of the newcomer. Taehyung and Jungkook share the same wonder, coming to stand next to you and Yoongi. All four of them are new faces to Jackson, even though he had already met Yoongi in his cat form.

“He’s a friend,” you explain as Jackson politely introduces himself to them. “We all went to the same school.”

Some time has passed since you’ve all escaped Blackstone Castle and found your place in this town. A lot of things have changed since you last saw Jackson as well. After that night, you haven’t seen or heard from any of the other mages.

Until now.

Jackson stands before you all, travel-worn and exhausted. His face is thinner and more sunken. Dark circles are beneath his tired eyes, as if he hadn’t properly slept in days. There’s a scar on his cheek that hadn’t been there before.

“We ran into him in town,” Seokjin informs, coming to greet you with a quick kiss. Jackson arches an eyebrow when he sees a former warden kiss a mage. “He said he needs to talk to Namjoon.”

“Me?” the man in question asks, surprised.

“That’s right. Although…” Jackson trails off as he turns his attention to you and Hoseok. “Maybe this is something you guys could help with too.”

You and Hoseok exchange glances with each other. Then, curiously, you ask, “What do you mean?”

But Jackson hesitates. His eyes flicker to the others, suggesting that the news he’s about to share must be spoken in private. That its details require the use of magic, and Jackson doesn’t know who among your group already knows the truth about you, Hoseok, and Namjoon.

“Have you eaten yet, Jackson?” Hoseok suddenly asks, easing into a bright smile. “Stay for a while. We have a lot to catch up on.”

It feels like old times.

Jackson and Namjoon share a drink. Their glasses clink together before they chug down the golden liquor.

Hoseok’s loud laughter is carried throughout the room, more amused by Yoongi’s reaction to Seokjin’s joke than the punchline itself. Despite that, Seokjin attempts to make another. His face burns red from the tips of his ears down to his neck as he desperately tries to refrain from laughing at his own joke. And when he fails at the delivery, he smacks Yoongi in the arm as if it’s his fault. Hoseok, somehow, laughs even harder.

Jimin pours another shot, cheeks flushed a rosy pink and barely able to see straight. The clear liquor misses the glass entirely and spills mostly on the table. Some of it drips to Jungkook’s pants, who barely registers it. Instead, his round eyes are locked on you, lovestruck as he watches you and Taehyung drunkenly slow dance together.

Taehyung spins you beneath his arm and catches you when you stumble forward. The both of you are clinging onto each other’s arms, in fits of giggles as he presses his forehead against yours. It’s like no one else is in the room except you two. Not even any of your other lovers, who seamlessly take turns drinking with you and passing you around from one to another throughout the night.

Seeing everyone around him relaxed and having fun reminds Namjoon of the parties back at Blackstone Castle. It isn’t unusual for apprentices to sneak away at night to hook up, drink with friends, and celebrate small achievements and occasions. With the wardens constantly watching them, the heavy burdens of exams and Harrowings on their shoulders, and a strict system followed by the staff to keep magic restricted, it’s sometimes the only way the students could let loose.

Jackson was fond of going to these parties. He’d go to as many as he could, and made lots of friends with his outgoing and funny personality. Your old roommates were too, and they’d drag you along with the promise of Hoseok attending a party as well. And Namjoon – who’d patiently wait and catch your eye when you’re alone – would sneak you out before anyone would notice you’re both gone.

“I knew she’d end up with you or Hoseok,” Jackson comments, drawing Namjoon out of his thoughts. They watch as you end your dance with Taehyung with a curtsy before he guides you to Hoseok, who easily gathers you in his arms. “But it looks like she got both of you and more.”

“She’s our girl,” Namjoon agrees with a fond smile. 

Namjoon used to be a little jealous of Hoseok. After all, Hoseok loved you first. He still loves you now. 

But when you feel Namjoon’s gaze on you from across the room, you meet his eyes and smile. With the same sincerity you had back then, when you had first said those words to him during your birthday, you mouth the words, “I love you.”

It’s not words you often say to each other – even though you clearly do, and he loves you just the same – but it still takes his breath every time. You love him. Someone as precious and beautiful as you chooses to love a guy like him.

“Who would’ve thought?” Jackson muses, sipping on his drink.

It feels like old times, but things have changed. 

Namjoon certainly has. Without the vigilant gaze of the wardens and the suffocating confinements of the fortresses, he is a free man in this town. He can run along the river every morning, read books beneath the shade of a tree at the park, and go out with you and the other guys when the shop is closed. No one knows that he’s a mage here; no one looks at him like an abomination or something Wicked.

Here, he is just Namjoon. And as himself, he’s learned to enjoy his life a bit more. He’s learned to cherish those he holds so dearly, and savor those precious moments with gratitude. He’s learned to love, even when sometimes, he wonders if he deserves it.

For Jackson, however, his experiences after Blackstone are entirely different.

Since that night, he’s been on the run. He barely had time to grieve and process what had happened for a while, running before the nightmares caught up to him. He never stays in a town too long, never reveals too much about what he is or where he came from. In Blackstone, the threats were contained within the castle: power-hungry wardens, missued spells, Harrowings, and the nightmarish realm of the Veil. Out here, anything could happen. Anyone could become a potential threat.

“You’re always welcome to stay here, Jackson,” Namjoon offers after a few more drinks, just as Taehyung and Jungkook help carry a drunk Jimin upstairs into the spare bedroom. He grimaces, unable to take back what he said.

The eighth room doesn’t belong to Jackson anyway.

“I appreciate it, but it looks like you have a full house,” Jackson replies as he looks around the shop again. 

Everyone seemed to have passed their limit. Hoseok is zoning out, sitting quietly with a blank expression on his face. Yoongi was the opposite, cheering loudly and running around when he won a card game you were all playing, but now his energy has died down as he patiently waits for you to go to bed with him. Seokjin is sober enough to clean up, putting away the empty bottles and picking up the cards that were thrown on the floor. Neither Taehyung nor Jungkook have come back down after they took Jimin upstairs, so they must have fallen asleep as well. No one is paying attention to them.

Now is as good a time as any to reveal why he’s here.

“What’s that?” Namjoon asks, seeing Jackson pull out a couple fliers. One of them is one he received from Jungkook earlier that day. The other one has a bit more wear and tear, creases showing that it’s been folded and re-opened over and over.

“I think I might have a job you and your friends would be interested in,” he tells him, showing the flier that the Oathkeepers were passing out. “I ran into a couple mages you guys helped out a few towns over. It’s rare to run into others like us, let alone a group of mages and humans who are willing to help each other out. When they described you guys, I had a feeling I knew exactly who they were talking about. Turns out, I was right.”

Namjoon remembers them. Seokjin’s former guild wanted to bring in mages to the frontlines of their quests, but at the expense of abusive power and enslavement to control them. It was a controversial stance that eventually divided the guild and led to Seokjin and his friends separating from them altogether after all of you helped the captured mages escape.

“That’s why you were looking for me?” Namjoon asks, remembering Seokjin had mentioned that Jackson wanted to speak with him.

“I was looking for everybody. You. Hoseok. Your girl. My old roommates. Any of our old friends,” he lists with a frown. It doesn’t seem like he had much luck finding anyone else. Jackson then pushes the second paper – the worn and torn one – toward him. “While looking around, I found this.”

Without reading it, Namjoon asks, “What is it?”

“It’s the job,” Jackson reminds him, carefully watching as Namjoon picks it up and unfolds the paper.

“Help wanted,” Namjoon reads out loud. “Every night, the undead wakes from their eternal slumber and attacks our small village. No one knows why or where they are coming from, but our farmers suspect a necromancer is to blame.”

Necromancy?

Magic, as beautiful and wonderful as it could be, is also dangerous and deadly. Certain magic is forbidden for a reason. Messing with the afterlife is considered one of them.

“Keep going,” Jackson urges.

“Each night, our numbers dwindle as the undead grows. Soon, there will be nothing left of our village,” Namjoon continues with a frown. “In a desperate plea for help, we are sending our notices far and wide in hopes to find anyone brave enough to take this urgent quest. We will do whatever it takes to save our home. Please, to anyone who finds this, help us.”

Namjoon doesn’t get it. Dark magic is explicitly banned from the fortresses. It’s why they’ve been built and why they contain mages in the first place. Jackson knows this. He’s lived in these towers too.

“Check the location,” Jackson quietly presses before Namjoon could turn it down.

He does, glancing down at the paper again. He nearly drops it when he sees where the quest is coming from.

Hawthorn Village. His hometown.

He’s tried and failed several times to return to that place ever since he was sent away on the day of his magical awakening. Ignis died helping Namjoon on his last attempt to return, and Namjoon swore he would never try again after that haunting day.

Suddenly, it feels like it’s hard for him to breathe. To swallow. He blinks back the sting of tears as he looks at his friend. “That place…”

“We can come with you,” Seokjin suddenly offers, holding some empty bottles and glasses that he is taking to the sink. “The Oathkeepers and I. We have the documents that prove that we’re a legitimate guild.”

No one would question them on the road. Some would be more willing to help and provide information when they see they’re a group on a mission and not just ordinary travelers as well.

“What do you say?” Jackson asks, sounding hopeful. “I won’t be able to do this on my own. They’ll need us, Namjoon. We can help them. All of us can.”

And Namjoon realizes why Jackson mentioned you and Hoseok could help with this quest as well.

His gaze immediately turns to you.

Your arm is around Yoongi’s neck as he helps you stand. You look flushed, cheeks hot and limbs loose from the alcohol. A bashful giggle escapes your lips at your own predicament, and how you feel like a fawn learning to walk as you use Yoongi to keep your balance. And you only laugh harder when you catch a glimpse of Hoseok’s face as he blinks slowly at you, and his mouth lifts into a slight chuckle of his own.

After everything you’ve all been through at Blackstone Castle, Namjoon swore he’d do whatever it takes to protect you.

“She’ll get hurt,” Namjoon points out.

“She’s the best spellcaster we know,” Jackson counters. “And Hoseok makes the best potions. You all have familiars too, and a formidable guild that will have our backs if anyone questions what we are.”

“He has a point, Namjoon,” Seokjin agrees, but in a way that lets Namjoon know that it’s his call. Whatever he decides, Seokjin will support him.

“Jin, last time I… Last time…”

“It’ll be different this time,” he assures him with a small but confident smile. “You’ll have us.”

“What do you say, Namjoon?” Jackson asks, pouring both of them another glass.

Namjoon lets out a shaky breath. He looks over at you again: your pretty smile and the way it reaches your eyes, how the sound of your laughter reminds Namjoon of how precious you are to him, and the endeared look from those around you as how affectionate you are when you’re tipsy.

It feels like old times, as Namjoon admires you from afar.

He knows you. Even if he had no connection to the village, you’d still want to help. Because that’s the kind of person you are. Namjoon is the same way.

But things have changed. Namjoon has changed.

Before, he would stop at nothing to return to his village and see his parents again. Before, he would take on this mission in a heartbeat, no matter what the risks are. But now, doubt starts to fill his mind.

This could be dangerous. Impossible, even.

But this is his home. His family might still be there. He has to try. Right?

“Okay,” he decides as he takes the glass Jackson pours him. The sudden burden in his heart makes it harder to swallow this time.

Namjoon can’t sleep.

He lies back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. His mind restlessly jumps back and forth between a few things.

First, his hometown. What will it be like, stepping into that place for the first time in years? How much has changed? Would anyone recognize him? Are his parents still there? Are they doing well?

Then, there’s the necromancer. He knows very little about necromancy, and he doubts that you and Hoseok know more than he does about it. Where did they come from? What is their goal? What do they want with his hometown? Would he and the others be able to face them? Or are they dealing with something far too dark and dangerous?

Then, of course, there’s you and the others. He knows you’ve braved dangers before: in your Harrowing, the night Blackstone Castle fell, and even recently when you’ve helped Seokjin against his former guild. He knows you and the others are perfectly capable and skilled individuals, and as a team, you’d be an unstoppable force.

But Namjoon still worries. His mind starts to think about the worst. What if something goes wrong? What if you get hurt? He’ll have no one to blame but himself. Maybe this is too risky. Maybe he should tell Jackson and Seokjin he’s changed his mind.

The door to his room slowly opens. “Joon?”

Startled, he shoots up and faces the door. His heart calms a bit when he sees that it’s you. “What is it, baby?”

You shut the door behind you.

It’s just you and Namjoon. Like old times.

“I just wanted to check on you,” you tell him, sobered up after drinking earlier. Even in your drunken stupor, you can tell something has been bothering him. Your voice is a gentle whisper, calm and comforting. It’s a stark difference to the whirlwind of thoughts storming in his head.

He reaches out to you as you step closer, until you’re right in front of him.

When he dreams of you, he always wakes up just when he has you in his grasp. Just when you’re his to hold. As your fingers delicately wrap around his, he’s almost afraid he’d wake up and you’d be gone again.

“I could be better,” he replies to you honestly. His gaze is still on your hand as his thumb brushes against the top of your knuckles. “I have a lot in my mind.”

“Wanna talk about it?” you ask, tilting your head.

He shakes his head. “Not tonight.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

He meant to ask you to stay. To let him hold you for tonight, and keep the fears of potentially losing you at bay as you fall asleep in his arms.

“I love you.”

The words that fall from his lips instead surprises both of you. He sees your eyes widen, the way you catch your breath, the uncertainty on your face, as if you aren’t sure if you heard him right.

But his hand tightens around yours, pulling you closer.

Namjoon loves you. Truly, he does. He sees you in his dreams all the time.

Everything he loves. Everything he’s afraid to lose.

You’re on his bed now, your eyes falling on his broad shoulders and his bare chest. There’s a look in your eyes that he’s become all too familiar with.

He doesn’t know who makes the first move, but suddenly, you’re all over each other. He kisses you with everything he’s got, meeting your lips and tongue with his, as if tonight could be his last time to hold you, to make you his. He grunts when he feels you gently tug on his bottom lip with your teeth. And you whimper when his hand yanks the white fabric of your nightdress, thumb brushing against your nipple.

The second you’re out of your torn clothes, his mouth latches onto your other breast, tongue flicking the hardened bud. “F-Fuck, Joon.”

“Are you going to be good for me, baby?”

Your breath hitches as his fingers slowly trail down your abdomen and slot between your legs. You close your eyes, rolling your hips slightly as his long fingers slip past your wet folds. “Yes, daddy.”

“Good girl,” Namjoon praises, his voice so deep and low, it makes you shiver. “Come here. Wanna taste you.”

You obey, following his lead as he lies back on the bed again and makes himself situated. He guides you over him, and you’re careful of your weight on him as he holds your waist and thighs and eats you out.

He feels your muscles tensing and your hips bucking as the pleasure builds. But he keeps a tight hold on you, preventing you from squirming away as he works you open with his tongue. Your grip tightens around the headboard and your other hand tugs on his hair as his thumb rubs against your clit. “J-Joon, I’m s-so—”

Even without your warning, he knows. He gets you there, drinking you in, reaping his spoils as you start to come down from your high.

But it isn’t over.

Once his grip around you loosens, you turn over. Namjoon props himself up slightly, watching what you’re doing and groaning when he feels your hands and mouth on his cock. His fingers easily tease your entrance before slipping into you again, stretching you out, feeling you clench around them, before he decides to pull your hips closer for another taste.

It starts to feel like a competition. Like you’re trying to get him off first before he makes you climax a second time.

But Namjoon knows your body well, and you feel his tongue and fingers prodding, teasing, and hitting your sweet spot mercilessly. Your muffled moans with your mouth against him are driving him insane, and he barely edges you out – your legs quivering slightly from the intense pleasure – before he shoots his release in your throat.

Namjoon catches his breath as you roll onto your back, breathing just as hard as he is. He sits up to look at you, his mouth and chest wet with your arousal, and as you peer up at him with lust-filled eyes, he thinks you’re the most beautiful thing in the world.

More than what he deserves.

He caresses your thigh and smiles gently. “Tired?”

You scoff, breathless, but stubborn. As if admitting that you are means defeat. “I’m just getting started.”

Namjoon chuckles and then grabs your leg, pulling you closer. He aligns himself to enter you, moving slowly so you could adjust to his size. Your back arches slightly, face contorting at the pressure as your nails dig into his arms. You feel so good to him, he could never get enough of you.

He leans over to kiss you once he’s fully inside of you. “That’s my girl.”

“I’ll always be your girl,” you tell him softly, kissing his cheek.

Namjoon laughs, almost bashful with the way his heart flutters at that moment. You smile back at him, wrapping your arm around his neck as he begins to move.

His lips are on your throat, hands squeezing your breast and hips, whispered curses and grunts against your skin. It feels like wildfire every time. Heated, passionate, all consuming, like every touch and kiss sears his skin. Like every little moan and whine he hears from you compels him to make that fire grow. Then, only in the afterglow, he realizes it’s not the embers and ashes that remain. It’s warmth that fills his chest when he’s around you. It’s light that makes his heart glow with love. And he wants nothing more but to bask in it.

When he dreams, it’s always of you. Seductive, enticing, and tempting. But nothing compares to the real thing. Not even close.

Namjoon’s fingers absently trace patterns along your bare back. Your labored breaths have calmed down, slowly and evenly. Your lashes touch the top of your cheeks as you rest your eyes, and your tongue darts briefly to wet your pretty lips. 

He can’t stop looking at you.

“You always do this,” you comment softly without opening your eyes.

His hand stills. “Do what?”

“You always watch over me,” you answer, opening one eye to peek at him. There’s a small, playful smile on our lips. “Even when we first started seeing each other, you always look at me so endearingly.”

Namjoon laughs, a bit embarrassed. He never thought you’d notice the tender, forlorn look on his face after spending a night together. “Stay with me tonight?”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re falling in love with me, Kim Namjoon.”

He smiles at that, dimples appearing deep in his cheeks. “I already love you, baby.”

You snuggle a little closer to him, the teasing in your voice replaced with sincerity as you tell him, “I love you too.”

It isn’t often that you two say those words to each other, but it still makes him catch his breath every time you do. His arm wraps around you protectively as he kisses your hairline, and he sighs happily as you tuck yourself under his chin.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he murmurs quietly, closing his eyes. It feels nice to have you in his arms. It feels nice to have you so close. He feels like he can relax like this.

Then, you ask, “What did Jackson say to you?”

His eyes snap open, and he sees the concern on your face. You hold his gaze, curious, but also as if you’re not certain if you want to push for the answers.

“He showed me a quest, and asked if we can help him,” he explains, his grip tightening around you a little. “It’s in my hometown.”

You’re quiet as Namjoon tells you everything. From all the details pertaining to the mission to Jackson heavily implying he won’t be able to do it without you. If there really is a necromancer terrorizing the village, you have the best chance of stopping them. Your skill at spell-casting is unmatched compared to the others.

Part of him hopes you’d refuse it – that you’d realize the odds are against you with this type of Wicked magic, and how stupid and dangerous this could be.

But he knows you won’t.

You know that Namjoon couldn’t pass up on it. This mission is too important to him. He could lose his parents and his hometown for good.

And Namjoon knows, if nothing else, you’d want to do it for him. You’d do anything for him. He’d do the same for you.

When he’s done, he feels you wrap your arms around him in a gentle embrace. “It’s okay, Namjoon. I know you want to help. I’ll do my best to keep your village safe, too.”

Namjoon frowns. His heart doesn’t feel any lighter as he holds you close. He feels so vulnerable as he softly confesses, “I’m afraid to lose you.”

“Lucky for you, I’m not an easy person to take down,” you quip confidently. You push yourself up to look at him, and your hand cups his face. Your thumb gently wipes away the frown on his lips. “I can handle myself, Joon. You know I can.”

Namjoon wants to believe you. But his heart still feels heavy with worry.

The next morning, Namjoon gathers the residents of the shop and tells them the news. As expected, there’s a mixed reaction.

“A necromancer?” Yoongi repeats, eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

“Sounds fun!” Taehyung exclaims, eyes brightening with the promise of adventure.

“Sounds dangerous,” Hoseok corrects with a frown and crosses his arms. “We don’t really know anything about dark magic or necromancy. How would we know what we’re truly up against?”

“We won’t know until we try,” you reason, glancing over at Namjoon. “As far as we know, there’s only one necromancer, and there are several of us. The people in that village need our help, and we might be their last hope.”

“If we’re not already too late,” Hoseok grimly states.

Taehyung suddenly stands. “What are we waiting for? We need to start packing now!”

“Taehyung, calm down. We should think this through first,” Yoongi points out, but the raven familiar is already taking flight. He transforms into a raven and goes straight to his loft above the library nook.

“I’ll need to start brewing some potions and antidotes,” Hoseok mutters, also standing and walking straight to the kitchen. Over his shoulder, he asks, “Do you think we can stop by the market for ingredients?”

“Can we get snacks too?” Jungkook timidly asks.

You laugh and rub his back. “We can’t have you hungry on our trip.”

“I’ll talk to the others and tell them about the quest.” Seokjin informs, heading upstairs to change out of his pajamas.

“Then, I’ll wake up Jimin. He’s still sleeping in the spare room,” you tell the ones left in the parlor. You glance over at Yoongi, who is already standing up to follow you. “Wanna help me bother him, Yoongi?”

He nods his head, a twitch of a smile on the corner of his lip, as he walks with you up the stairs.

That just leaves Namjoon and Jungkook. The mage sighs and runs his hand through his hair. Everyone took the news better than he thought.

Your party will consist of Jackson, the Oathkeepers, and the shop’s residents. There’s safety in numbers when traveling in such a large group. All of you are diligently preparing to face whatever dangers the roads and this necromancer can throw at you. And Namjoon is certain that you’ll all look out for each other, as you always do.

The only glaring thing is the necromancer. Hoseok is right when he said none of you know what you’re going to be up against. And that makes Namjoon nervous.

“Where are you going?” Jungkook asks when he sees Namjoon start to head to the other side of the parlor.

“I’m going to see if the library will have anything about necromancy,” he answers, though he doubts he’ll find anything useful. Even his magical nook of books might not hold what he’s seeking for. “We’ve never had to deal with this kind of magic before. I want us to be prepared.”

More importantly, he needs to know how he can protect you. It’s inevitable that you’ll have to face a powerful mage that controls the dead, but if he can find something – anything – to give you an upper-hand…

Jungkook is quiet for a long moment. His dark eyes stare at Namjoon in an almost penetrating gaze that starts to make him nervous. Then, quietly, he mentions, “You have to take their bells.”

“What?”

“They use bells to summon the dead and have them do their bidding,” he explains, just when he hears Hoseok calling for him in the kitchen. “Take their bells, and they can’t control the dead.”

With that said, he stands and heads to the kitchen, leaving Namjoon to stare after him. 

He knows that Jungkook was previously with a mage that specializes in dark magic. He also knows that Jungkook doesn't talk much about that part of his past, if at all.

But as Jungkook disappears from the parlor, Namjoon can’t help but wonder if he knows more about dark magic than he lets on.

At dawn, you and the other shop residents meet up with Jackson and the Oathkeepers. It’s a long way to Namjoon’s hometown in Hawthorn Village, and Jimin agreed to keep an eye on the shop until you return.

“I’m sorry I can’t go with you this time.” Jimin holds you and peppers kisses all over your face. He wishes he could, but he has his own duties tying him to New Haven this time. “Take care and come home soon, okay?”

“I’ll miss you,” you reply sincerely, wishing he could come as well. Due to the nature of this quest, however, you couldn’t tell him the real reason you’re leaving town.

Instead, you simply tell him that you’re all visiting Namjoon’s family, and that Seokjin and his friends are escorting you all there while they have a job nearby.

It’s not a complete lie, but it’s not the truth either.

Taehyung and Jungkook are excited about going on a real adventure this time. They both look eager to get started, rucksacks on their backs and anticipation in their eyes. It doesn’t matter to either of them what they’re facing, as going on a quest with their hyungs sounds more fun than anything.

Hoseok looks like he’s seconds away from a mental breakdown. He’s constantly checking and rechecking that you guys have everything you’ll need for this adventure. His wand is ready, tucked within reach. His rucksack is full of potions and ingredients. He checks with Yoongi to make sure they aren’t forgetting anything, and Yoongi shrugs and drawls that if it’s something they’ve forgotten, it probably wasn’t that important to bring along anyway.

Namjoon and Jackson stand apart from the others, seeming to be in a deep discussion about something. Since Jackson requested his help, Namjoon has been nervous about returning to Hawthorn Village, even if he tries not to show it. You often feel his worried gaze on you when he thinks you don’t notice.

Seokjin is with his friends, going over the map and figuring out the best routes to take. You see a side of Seokjin where he’s more serious than you’re used to, and perhaps on the surface, this is just another quest for him. But when you see him glance over at Namjoon, you know he’s in it for the same reason you all are.

You’re doing this for Namjoon.

Your heart feels conflicted when you catch Jimin staring at the others. It’s hard to keep things hidden from him – to keep him in the dark about everything – and you have a sinking feeling that he knows that you aren’t being completely honest with him. That you’re leaving him behind with purpose, and that you’re shutting him out from such an important part of yourself. 

Maybe he doesn’t even believe your half-truth about simply visiting Namjoon’s family.

You wish you could tell him. You wish you could confide about your own worries about the mission. You wish you could’ve told him stories about Blackstone Castle when you had introduced him to Jackson.

Jimin turns his attention to you, and his eyes lingers on your face, seeing past the neutral mask you’re trying to keep on. “Is everything okay?”

You wish you could tell him the truth about you.

“There’s something I should tell you, Jimin…”

At that moment, Namjoon calls out to you. He has your pack over his shoulder, and a sheepish smile on his face when he realizes he’s interrupting you and Jimin. “We need to get going.”

“What did you want to tell me?” Jimin asks, curious now.

There’s so much you want to say. One day, you’ll tell him about how you and the others aren’t ordinary humans, that the building you all live in isn’t an ordinary shop.

But that day isn’t today.

“I’ll tell you when I come back,” you decide, touching his cheek. You kiss his lips and murmur, “I love you.”

A small, sad smile tugs on his lips before he kisses you again. “I’ll miss you.”

Reluctantly, you part ways with him and join the others. There is a lot of ground to cover between New Haven and Hawthorn Village, and each passing night will just make things harder for the surviving villagers.

“Ready to go?” Seokjin asks, looking at everyone. A unanimous sound of agreement is answered back. The party gathers into the horse-drawn wagons, and thus, the journey officially begins.

Your hand reaches for Yoongi’s – who automatically intertwines his fingers with yours – and you look over at Jimin one more time. He leans against a fence, watching as Yoongi helps you get onboard. When he sees you looking at him, he straightens up and mouths to come home soon before he waves goodbye.

“What were you and Jimin talking about?” Yoongi asks you, still holding your hand.

“I think I’m going to tell him about what I am,” you confess, a little nervous of what he might say. That he might convince you that this is a bad idea.

“You should,” Namjoon agrees, sitting on your other side. He rests his arm behind you, squeezing in so that everyone can fit. “It’s about time he knows about all of us, no?”

Yoongi glances at you with uncertainty, but mumbles, “If that’s what you want.”

A weight lifts off your shoulders as you smile. “Yeah, it’s been hard to keep things hidden from him all the time, you know?”

Namjoon nods and then, lowering his voice and leaning closer to you, he slowly asks, “Was it hard to keep us a secret? Back when we were at the castle?”

“A little,” you admit just as quietly. “Hoseok already knew. He said we were too obvious. My roommates were starting to get suspicious too, and I’m sure Jackson and our other friends would’ve figured out something was going on between us. I think it would’ve all come out eventually.”

“Would you have been mad if it did?”

“Not at all. It would’ve made things less confusing for me if we had been honest with each other from the start.”

In hindsight, neither of you had anything to hide. You both liked each other a lot, and even then, none of the guys were put off with the idea of sharing you. But magic comes with so much secrecy, it seemed natural to keep things hidden. To expect that your enamored feelings won’t be accepted because love is taboo for mages.

“I’m sorry,” he apologizes, frowning at the things he could’ve done differently.

“I’m not blaming you, Joon,” you assure him, using your free hand to touch his cheek. “What matters is where we are now. Not all the things we could’ve changed.”

His lips quirks into a small grin as he takes in your words. “You’re right.”

The two of you share a brief kiss as the horses continue to pull the wagon you’re all on. It’ll take you as far as the roads will lead, but there’s a shortcut through the forest that will cut your traveling in half. That route, however, will have to be on foot.

Conversations between the others overlap as the excitement of the journey is still high. But to your surprise, you see one person is quiet and lost in his thoughts.

Jackson doesn’t say a word during the whole ride.

Traveling down the familiar roads that lead to his hometown in Hawthorn Village brings Namjoon back to unpleasant memories.

He remembers the terror the night promises, as if it’s still fresh in his mind. The low, warning growl of predators and their glowing eyes in the shadows. The way his body shivers from the cold, and how his feet ache from walking. The exhaustion that tolls his small body, but he can’t afford to stop and rest or the wardens will catch up to him, as they always seem to do.

It felt like a hopeless task then. But Namjoon was stubborn. 

He wanted to return home no matter what.

And now, years later, he finally will.

Seokjin is right about how things are different this time. Now, he has all of you beside him, instead of having to trek these roads alone. And that makes Namjoon worry.

“Watch out,” Namjoon warns, pulling you away from a green plant growing along the trunk of a tree. “Those plants are poisonous.”

“He’s right,” Hoseok agrees, examining them a little closer. You would’ve had an awful, itchy rash if you had accidentally touched them. He rummages through his pack and happily adds, “Luckily, I have an ointment for this kind of thing!”

“Careful, baby,” Namjoon says with caution a little later on. He holds onto you as he helps you down a slippery slope. “You might fall.”

Nearby, Jungkook is giggling when he sees Seokjin slip on the mud, staining his clothes with the wet dirt.

“Yah, Jungkook!” Seokjin snaps as he grabs the younger male by the ankle and drags him into the mud with him.

All day, Namjoon has been overly protective of you. Whether it’s a branch of a tree that’s hanging too low and blocking your path, a hole on the ground that you could easily trip over, or a mama bear and her cubs just passing through, Namjoon is there to guard you. Even if it means hurting himself.

“Joon, you don’t need to be so worried about me,” you assure him, sitting him down on a log and examining the cut on his arm. It’s bleeding, but it doesn’t look too deep.

“I don’t want you to get hurt,” Namjoon answers, wincing as you apply a bit of healing magic on the wound. Warmth spreads from your fingertips as it starts to close.

“I’m not the one with the cut,” you counter, gesturing at his arm. Thankfully, it just looks like a scratch now.

Being on the road isn’t too bad. After getting dropped off at the starting point of the forest, the excited chatter between you and the others lasts a good while, making the morale stay up. You all take breaks when you need to, make sure food and water is passed around, and keep an eye out for bandits, wild animals, and other dangers like low branches, poisonous plants, and pit holes.

After a while, the conversations die down to a mutual, tired silence. Everyone’s paces slow down significantly, and the breaks become more and more frequent. Jungkook quietly mentions that he’s getting hungry – the small snacks between stops aren’t enough for a meal – and Namjoon is certain he isn’t the only one.

No one protests when Namjoon suggests making camp at a clearing he finds. There’s unanimous relief as everyone begins to pitch their tents, make a campfire, and gather resources and ingredients to make supper.

Which leads to you and Namjoon, sitting together as you check the wound he gave himself when trying to protect you. He sighs and thanks you for treating him, barely feeling the sting of pain anymore. Part of him expects you to leave, but you still sit with him, watching as some of the guys play rock-paper-scissors to decide the order of night shifts.

Although you don’t admit it, you’ve been worrying about Namjoon too.

“I’m sorry, baby. I know you can handle yourself. It’s just…” Namjoon begins, rubbing his neck. “After everything that happened in Blackstone, I’m afraid to lose you. To lose everything again. Even now, I’m worried that you guys are putting your lives in danger because of me.”

“We’re here because we want to be, Namjoon,” you tell him with a small smile. “If it was Seokjin’s hometown under attack, or Jungkook’s, or anyone else’s at the shop, I know you’d want to do all you can to help too.”

“You’re right,” he says with another sigh. Maybe he’s worrying over nothing.

Your smile widens as you nudge him. “Are you nervous about going home?”

He chuckles dryly. That, certainly, is an understatement.

“I don’t think I know what to expect anymore. It’s been so long…” He lets himself trail off as his gaze turns to everyone else in camp. Taehyung is demanding a rematch as Hoseok throws his fist in the air and shouts in victory. Their rowdiness catches the attention of the others, who grin a bit at them as they decide to do another round. “My parents might still be in Hawthorn. If we have the chance, I’d like to talk to them. Tell them I’m sorry for burning down our old house, and that I miss them.”

“You could,” you assure him, giving him a comforting smile. “I don’t think the others would mind since we’re already there.”

He smiles a bit at that. Then, his heart flutters nervously as he proposes, “Would you come with me? When I go see them, I mean.”

You look a bit surprised. “I could if you want me to.”

“I do,” he quickly replies, a bit flustered. “It would be easier, I think. If you’re by my side at the time.”

“Then, of course I will.”

His smile widens and relief lifts from his shoulders, grateful you’ll accompany him. “Do you think they’ll forgive me? After all these years? It wouldn’t be too weird if I just showed up, would it? What would I even say to them?”

You laugh, and the sound makes his heart stutter. “I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t love you, Kim Namjoon.”

“Thank you,” he tells you softly, dimples popping at the shy grin. “For everything.”

Suddenly, the guys shout in disbelief and burst into laughter at the results of their game. You and Namjoon smile fondly at them. 

“I don’t remember where I was born,” you confide to Namjoon. “I don’t know who my parents are, or if I have family that knows about me. So, when Blackstone fell, I felt like I lost the only place I knew was home as well.”

“Oh…” Namjoon frowns. He never considered any of the fortresses a home. It always felt more like a prison. But perhaps, to mages like you and Hoseok, who’ve been locked away in those towers all your lives, it’s different.

“But you know,” you continue. “I can’t say I’d ever want to go back to it. If we hadn’t run away – if we hadn’t made it to the shop – we wouldn’t have met Jimin, Taehyung, and Jungkook. Seokjin wouldn’t be happy as a warden. And I might’ve never even had the courage to tell you and Hoseok that I love you.”

“Really?”

“Blackstone was my home. It was the only world I’ve ever known,” you say, your eyes still fixed on the others before you. “But I don’t ever regret leaving that place behind to be where I am now. With you and the others.”

In his dreams, Namjoon sees you again.

Your hand is in his, leading him away from camp while the others are asleep. Taking him to a secluded place in the woods.

It’s just you and him. Like old times.

Your back is pressed against the trunk of a tree. A seductive smile touches your lips as you wrap your arm around his neck. You pull him in for a kiss, and his hands glide up your body in a lustful hunger. He hears you panting as his hand slips between your legs, your lip biting back a needy moan, and your flirty eyes glancing up at him beneath your lashes.

His trousers fall down to his ankles, and he lifts one of your legs. You lean against the side of the tree, shifting your weight against the trunk, and look over your shoulder at him with a tiny nod.

A whistle of an arrow flies toward him, but it hits you. Right in the heart.

The flirty gaze turns to a look of horror and accusation. This is his fault.

You slump on the ground, cold and unmoving. Hunters gather around, pointing their weapons at him. Wearing similar faces of anger, disgust, and terror like the villagers from his hometown the night of his awakening.

Among them are the rest of the guys: Seokjin, Yoongi, Hoseok, Taehyung, Jungkook, and even Jimin. There’s disappointment and sadness in their eyes when they see your body. It turns to looks of hatred and distrust when they look at Namjoon.

It’s his fault you got hurt. It’s his fault things ended up like this.

Everything is his fault.

Namjoon feels so small again, like he’s a kid. Everyone gathers around him, wanting an explanation. Why is he born with magic? What wickedness has he done to be cursed with that power?

Your eyes are lifeless. Your skin is cold.

But with a distant twinkle of a bell, your head snaps toward him. Your jaw falls open too widely as an agonizing scream comes from your throat.

Namjoon wakes with a start.

Another dream about you, but this one is different. This one is a nightmare.

His heart races when he finds himself somewhere he doesn’t recognize. And it takes him a moment to place himself in a tent he’s sharing with you and the others.

Seokjin is at the far end, lying on his back with his face turned toward you. One arm is curled out beside him as his other hand rests on his stomach where Yoongi, in his cat form, has chosen to sleep. Hoseok has his arms wrapped around you and is curled up against your back. Taehyung has stolen his pillow, using it as a nest, as he tucks his head beneath his black feathers. Namjoon doesn’t see Jungkook right away, but he hears his low, steady croaks by his head, settled on the opposite end.

All of you are sleeping safe and sound, huddled together like a pile of puppies.

Namjoon smiles fondly at the sight, relieved to see that you’re unharmed. But the nightmare is still too fresh in his mind. Quietly, he decides to sneak out and get some fresh air.

A couple of the Oathkeepers and Jackson are keeping watch this time. His old friend looks surprised to see him, but doesn’t send him away when Namjoon takes a seat next to him by the fire.

“Aren’t you tired?” Jackson asks.

“I’ll go back in a bit,” he promises, frowning up at the sky. The night feels too long. Dawn doesn’t seem like it’ll break through soon.

For a while, the two sit together quietly by the campfire, lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly, Jackson asks, “Do you still think about that night? At Blackstone?”

The night of the rebellion. When Adriel summoned something Wicked from the depths of the Veil and made a contract with it. Power in exchange for his physical form.

“It’s not really Blackstone I think about,” Namjoon admits. The burdens he carries are longer and heavier than what happened the night you all escaped.

“I think about it all the time. Everything that went wrong. Everything that I could’ve done differently,” he sighs as he stares at the burning fire before him. “Adriel was my friend. I should’ve stopped him. I should’ve realized what he was doing was wrong.”

“Adriel just wanted us to be free,” Namjoon reminds him. There isn’t anything wrong with wanting that.

“And look where that got us,” Jackson bitterly retorts. “Adriel is dead. Most of us have probably been recaptured and sent back to a fortress somewhere. The rest of us are on the run, hiding our magic so we don’t get caught.”

Namjoon frowns. Jackson has a point. Even outside the castle walls, freedom still has its limits. 

“None of us could’ve known what would’ve happened,” Namjoon reasons. “I don’t think Adriel even knew when he made contact with that Wicked.”

“But we could’ve done better!” Jackson snaps. There’s an anger in his eyes that Namjoon is all-too familiar with. A spiteful resentment that he, himself, has carried for years. “We were his friends. We could’ve checked up on him. We could’ve talked him out of doing something so goddamn dangerous. We could’ve saved him too.”

His voice shakes, eyes wild with accusation and guilt. You were all at the tower. You’ve all seen what Adriel had become. You’ve seen how Jackson desperately pleaded to his friend to recognize him, and how the Warden Commander ran a sword through Adriel when he did. It’s a scene that’s been haunting Jackson ever since he left the tower.

“Jackson…” he begins, but honestly, he isn’t sure what to say. Namjoon feels pity. He understands how Jackson feels. He’s been in his place, burdening shame and guilt over things he couldn’t control.

Namjoon is lucky to have you and the others to be there for him when the shadows of doubt and resentment become too much.

But Jackson… he doesn’t have anyone to rely on.

“What if that necromancer in Hawthorn is one of us?” Jackson asks, his gaze now steady at the fire again. “What if they’re someone from Blackstone? What if they’re just another Adriel that lost their way, and dipped into forbidden magic they’re no longer in control of?”

Namjoon hadn’t thought of that possibility. He always saw the necromancer as a vague, hooded figure in his mind. Someone that summons the dead and commands them to attack his hometown.

What if that person under the hood was a friend? An apprentice he had a class with? Someone he recognizes from the halls of Blackstone Castle?

“Then we stop them,” Namjoon answers, placing his hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “And we try to do better this time.”

“I hope we can, Namjoon. I can’t have another mage fall like Adriel did.”

Thank you for reading ♡ Comments & reblogs are greatly appreciated!

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[exvelovly]

bkdk fic post meoww

this list is kinda messy just bc i’m trying not to directly screenshot from my notes app but typing is hard :( @mappleiix @demonholdingalillie

from the sidelines by suffocatingspring

my all time bkdk fic it is so good trust it’s abt 400k and a low chap count so the chapters are longfgg there are many shenanigans and its just so freeing to read. i read the entire thing during finals week 2 years ago and i keep coming back to it

landscape after cruelty by ohwickedsoul

support course deku yayy i think this was cute but i read it so long ago lmaoa

weekend at bakugou’s by cat5gale

this idiot (deku) gets reverted into a 4 year old and i don’t remember reading his at all but it’s probably good

this is not an advertisement for gorilla glue by bi_focal

shananigans

some mysterious one shots i didn���t label but feel free to try typing in those links????

scattered anemones by gaytodoroki and lilacs by morphinefangs and bloom by masterofbread

all hanahaki aus what was i going through

the chosen of the dragonborn by s_the_queen

silly fantasy au i think this author is generally good but i can’t remember sorry gang

trending: #letdekusmash also by s_the_queen

this one is so funny and there’s a part 2 which is also good

searching for you in the background by s_the_queen

which is labeled “i’m crying what the fuck” in my notes

more unlabeleds !!

hidden messages by hashbrownpotatoes

makes me giggle they’re so silly idk

tidal hearts by macksmilesback and samisnotlegend

cute as hell mermaid au i think one of u is my mutual hey picasso love ur fic i think i made fanart but i lost it sorry

comfort and control by daniartonline

so i have this labeled as “the boys are traumatized :( nightmare comfort”

nothing’s gonna hurt you, baby. by supercrunch

my label is “silly little yandere detector”

like the moon by osakakitty

i think this one is sexual but there’s also pining

but i’m tired of lying with liars (you’re the truth i’m scared to tell) by youreanovelidea

in which bakugo finds his one tru lov by erina

bakugo’s agency are on the hunt to find his secret bf

are u dating?? by ladyofsnails

which involves streamer deku/omg they’re roommates/and twitter shipping

face reveal! which is also by ladyofsnails

and probably involves a face reveal

sticky note crushes by ladyofsnails

this one’s cute lmao art student deku and his poor roommate bakugo (jk)

down the red line by minervahope

soulmate string au

slow down (it’s a science) by scribespirare

i labeled this “secyyyy smoker bk” so there’s that

torn fur, blunt teeth by scribespirare

in which deku is a shifter on the run and there’s magical shit going on

oh my god they were roommates by maginot

deku’s already fucking taken by asdfjkl129

thank u outsider pov i love u

in which kacchan has a ruff time by oneshotprincess

lol dog bk

room 1217 by possiblynya

college soulmate au yippee

daisies bunches and heather branches by halcyonwhispers

“SO CUTE FLOWER SHOP TATTOO SHOP”

hopeless ramen-tic by lalazee

daddy cool by lalazee

teacher deku thinks dad bakugo is sexy as hel

placeholder by surveycorpsjean

ok listen this one is shinbkdk but jsut hear me out it’s good and the characterization is yeahhh also i’m pretty sure this is like half smut????? maybe????

deuteranopia / by dollcewrites

min perfect rhythm by chalk

band au that i enjoyed very much (bk is the one in the band and deku is his neighbor)

[toyouhellohowareyou]

Me to the group chat: Do you want a directors cut for Hero of Hyrule?

Chat: YES

So uh, okay, here you go.

Note this contains excerpts from the original fic which is horror I guess? It gets dark, it gets gory. You have been warned.

That being said I'm really pleased with how it turned out and so give it a look if you enjoy hurting the dowfall boys.

So this starts later than Hyrule’s, with Legend running into the room. He’s magic sensitive but in a different way to Hyrule. With Hyrule the off feeling is internal, with Legend he can sense it in the surroundings.

It’s familiar but only in an instinctual way until later when it clicks.

The pace is frantic, basically the whole fic. Sentences are short and choppy or have lots of commas when they’re longer.

Legend stumbles over raised stone, tripping and recovering and going faster. Searching for a cell, or a seal, or some power hungry villain, and Hyrule, Hyrule. Something is wrong. He hits stone again, taller this time, running straight into it. A block of some kind rather than a wall, and he scrambles to reach on top of it. 

Hyrule, Hyrule is a recurring mantra, as is something being wrong as he can’t articulate what it is yet.

Skip had a comment while betaing about linking back to previous experience and expectations, there’s some of that in a few places. Also the altar is tall and I had to recalibrate what I saw in my head a couple of times lol.

Hyrule! Hyrule! He’s alive. See, see? He could survive that. He must have healed or it wasn’t so bad or there was a fairy or—

[]

“I think I’m dead,” Hyrule voices Legend’s worst fear.

Except he’s not! Clearly he’s not! He’s just confused or in shock because he’s here and talking and, “Wh—no. No. Hyrule, I’m holding your hand, you’re alive, stay with me, okay?”

He knows deep down he shouldn’t be alive and instead of celebrating that he is, he’s trying to justify it to himself.

“But the blood,” the boy whispers back, and Legend can’t see it but he can smell it, sweat and fear and the metallic reek of warm blood and carved flesh, like a butchered animal.

This is just me making it worse lol. Also the hunted animal motif with the downfall boys.

“What wakes?”

“I’m sorry,” the boy pulls away.

He cannot bear it.

I low-key love that little bit.

“Sorry for what?” his hands search desperately, trying to find Hyrule again, to know this isn’t some terrifying dream.

Dream motifs for Legend~

“You know it,” Hyrule says, so gently, so kindly, and a hand in the dark cups Legend’s cheek, sticky with blood, “You know it, don’t you? You saw that wound. Nothing could survive that.”

“You’re not a thing,” Legend objects to the wrong thing, but it’s the only thing he trusts to be true. Is this real? If he plays the song will he wake up? What has been lost? The dark magic lies over them, smothering, sickening. Hyrule cannot be dead, Hyrule could not have survived. 

[]

He is a nightmare.

Dreams again. Because he knows there was something untrue about Hyrule surviving from the start.

The grip on Legend’s face tightens, digging in nails behind his jaw and he’s dragged forward against the altar as Hyrule jerks back.

Me with my hand on my jaw figuring out how tightly you could hold someone like that.

“No, No, you’re not dead, I’m touching you, you have a pulse—” he murmurs, blinking away tears as he shifts his fingers on Hyrule’s wrist to feel it better. He’s alive, he’s alive. There was, there was a fairy or something and he survived and—

Still frantic

And then just after this he gets his confirmation Hyrule had indeed died.

There’s tear tracks down his cheeks, outlining the contours of his bloody face with that death pale skin beneath.

I added tear tracks because I am mean. They weren’t in the original, but Hyrule couldn’t see them on himself.

Legend gives a choked whimper of loss, of despair. He died… he died afraid and alone. Legend failed the most important task he’s ever been given.

They ripped him open to die in the dark, they ripped him open and still his heart beats. They are gone, some fled, some dead by their swords, and a true Curse remains.

It—this not-Hyrule—looks pleased, puffing itself up at his horror.

So, this is all Legend POV, and you can tell who/what he thinks is in Hyrule by the pronoun he uses. ‘It’ is when he doesn’t know, ‘he’ for Hyrule, and ‘He’ (proper noun) for Ganon.

Also Skip, ‘where are they’? lol, so there’s a throwaway line saying they ran off.

So we’ve come from frantic to gutted.

“I—” Legend knows he’s right, he saved Warriors in the moment, an instinct to prevent the immediate death. Had they known, Wars would have chosen Hyrule, had he known… His eyes flick back to those twin tear stains, and some selfish, shameful little corner of his mind whispers he would have too.

He did not, and Hyrule is dead, and the world will never be right again. He will carry him forever with his other mistakes and failures and ghosts.

Nyastri while betaing ‘More guilt?’ Me ‘Okay, bet’

Also, contrast between the Wars part, Legend shoots straight to guilt and despair and ‘it’s happened again’

It looks at him with some fondly cruel expression, its grip still unyielding. A Monster. Dead eyes watch his as it keeps his chin up and reaches back inside Hyrule’s chest to the shattered bone and viscera and twitching organs within.

No, no, no, no—

He sobs in horror and it hushes him like a child, reaching forward to smear the gore over his face like a twisted, doting comfort, tracing his tears.

He’s shaking so badly.

“Smell it.”

Legend just sobs again and tries to twist out of that grip, to pull away, but the corpse’s grip is too strong, too tight. The pin pricks of his nails and the smear of flesh burn with that corrupt, rotting magic, he breathes it into his blood and flesh and bones, into his mind and soul. It will not let him go. He feels like that little rabbit boy again, with an adult’s too rough grip on him, walking him to his death. It watches him like a predator.

There’s a whole bunch of throwbacks to Legend’s early quests. Also dark magic being semi toxic/corruptive and what starts just as smothering in the atmosphere is not seeping into him. Also, also we are Keepin’ It Weird between the downfall boys. 

Warriors takes a step closer to them, bringing up his sword ready to plunge it into Hyrule’s chest. Legend whimpers in spite of himself.

Don’t hurt Hyrule.

So it was interesting having just the dialogue and actions and then having to figure out the thought process, and this was one of the more interesting ones. What did that little whimper mean? Was it fear, despair, was he just making a noise? 

And I thought it was him not wanting to see Hyrule hurt more. Hyrule being dead hasn’t internalised yet.

“Oh, were you trying to say something?” Hyrule-not-Hyrule asks in his best ‘visiting a Princess’ voice “Go on. You can do it.”

He manages a little shake of his head, he doesn’t dare open his mouth, not with the hand pressed so tightly against it. Not with the blood, there’s so much blood, he can’t breathe without smelling it. Settling in his lungs like the guilt and loss in his gut.

The smile Hyrule gives him sets the rabbit in him to freeze in fear. He should not have drawn its attention back to him.

“Aw, don’t be shy,” a voice that sounds like his playful, teasing little brother insists and it scoops more blood from its chest and rubs it into Legend’s face.

Its smile shows bloody teeth.

I love scary, chipper Hyrule. So condescending and infantasing. Hyrule is ‘dead’, but it’s Legend it’s breaking. There’s a line in King of Hyrule here about him thinking the blood around his mouth suits him which is so delightful.

Suddenly fingers are forcing their way past his lips, gripping his jaw and wedging between his teeth. They’re cold and dead in his mouth, firmly and confidently pressing his jaws open and tongue down. He tastes the blood on its hands, the magic in it claws and coils around his own.

He’s shaking, weak and panicked and terrified, and it crams the palmful of gore into his mouth, patting its fingers over his tongue before removing the other hand and forcing his mouth shut. He’s screaming behind his teeth, gagging and choking and he has to get it out, has to get it out. It’s all he can taste, all he can smell, Hyrule’s corpse is all he can see. The magic of it tears at him as it sinks in, burning like acid, carelessly picking away at his weave of his soul. Hyrule’s magic all twisted and shattered and broken so it cuts, and another, horribly, terrifyingly familiar.

So this is probably one of, if not the, last paragraph I wrote because it’s The Worst Thing that happens to Leggy. And then Skip told me (rightly) ‘make it worse’ so I did lol. Also a little further on Skip had the comment of ‘what’s holding him there aside from just grabbing him’ and all the dark magic stuff and its effect on Legend got dialled up. Hyrule’s full on manhandling him. This is such a quick scene in both Hyrule and Wars’ POVs, but it’s actually fairly long in Legend’s, being forced to swallow that was horrific.

We’re past the guilt phase and just into kind of paralysed and breaking.

“You have to,” Hyrule’s voice says with monstrous kindness, “You don’t want me to put more in there, do you?”

The Hyrule POV is ‘says kindly’ but ya know

It clamps his nose shut and he can’t breathe, can’t look away, he gags, then forces himself to swallow obediently, something hard scrapes all the way down. The toxic rot of it settling inside of him, seeping through him from the inside out.

Yeah, this is the worst in Legend’s POV for obvious reasons. Also Legend shaking, being able to look away, and can’t stop tasting blood recurs a lot. That’s what he’s noticing.

There’s spots in his vision and distantly he hears someone call it a monster, insist it’s not Hyrule.

Legend whines a high pitched, broken sound, terrified to open his mouth again.

Every version interprets this differently. For Hyrule it’s agreement, for Wars it’s grief, for Legend he’s just making noise, it’s just kind of ‘upset’.

“You can taste it, right? You can tell?”

He can. That familiar wrongness, the part of him that isn’t tranced like a pinned rabbit screams in the back of his mind.

This is when Legend places consciously who it is.

Hyrule, oh Hyrule.

We’re back to that. It’s all about Hyrule.

“He was being overly simplistic. It wasn’t a curse. It was a soul. But it’s gone now. It has woken.”

Legend jerks in its grip and it laughs at him, Hyrule’s joyful chime all twisted and stuttering.

This is when Legend actually starts to react the the knowledge and unfreeze.

“Yes, brave one,” it, He, croons at him, His grip unyielding “that’s what the ashes were for. Except I didn’t have enough of a body yet to really inhabit, so I borrowed this one. Oh, he bled so nicely for me. It was beautiful.”

Panic now, panic because he knows, he knows this magic, he knows those intonations spoken with Hyrule’s tongue.

He’s here, He’s here and He killed Hyrule, and He has him.

Ganon.

First instance of ‘He’ for Ganon. And an old, old nightmare manifesting.

“Didn’t even have to tie him down,” He says gleefully. “He only woke up once during the whole thing, and I guess he figured you’d left him for dead, because he just laid back down. Placid as a lamb, that one, in the end,” the corpse’s thumb strokes his cheek, “So easy, when he realised he couldn’t do anything to stop what had already been started…”

Rulie. Rulie. Was he scared? Did he die this afraid? He should have been there, he should have saved him, how could he let him die alone? He was supposed to be his big brother. They tore him open and let a monster crawl into his corpse.

Wars POV, he went to anger and ‘Hyrule wouldn’t take it lying down’ etc. Legend is just despair and guilt.

‘Tore him open’ recurs in a couple of different ways. This is my favourite.

Legend thrashes, tears at Hyrule’s (he’s dead, but they’re his, they’re his) wrists with his nails. Ganon will kill them all, he’ll lose them all. This is what he’s for, what he’s always been for. He’s supposed to fight Him. He can’t do it, he needs to get away.

So, when I write Legend I tend to have him believe he is necessary, he doesn’t have to like it but his reason for being, the only reason he was born at all, is because the hero was needed for Hyrule. Ganon is here? This is your purpose, get to the killing, Hero boy. He doesn’t consider the others for a moment. But he is so afraid and broken right now.

Also the stealing/violation of Ganon using Hyrule’s body

Abruptly He lets him go, that unyielding grip from his face and jaw vanishing in an instant as Ganon leaps from the altar and lands with a sickening crunch of bone. Legend drops like his strings have been cut and retches up blood and bile and everything else in his stomach. Then again, and again. He curls up on himself, shaking, he’s going to shake himself apart. His stomach twists and he gags again, he can still smell the blood, he can still taste the blood. He will never be free of it.

Finally gets to spew! Yay! More shaking.

He has to get up. His streaming eyes crack open.

The others are yelling, scared and desperate. The others!

lol, remember them? Legend doesn’t notice anything that’s not right in front of him for this whole thing. There’s a line where Wars tells Ganon to kill Legend, and Legend doesn’t notice it at all. He misses most of that conversation while throwing up.

Legend uncurls and staggers up on to his knees, spitting out blood and bile and gore, gagging and retching again, only to realise those dead eyes are back on him and He looks so pleased.

Legend freezes, a rabbit caught in a spotlight. He’s coming for him again, bearing those bloodstained teeth in delight.

Okay, dick move by Wars siccing him back on Legend though. I mean, it worked, but still!

It’s hurting him, it’s hurting Hyrule (Hyrule’s dead), it has to stop, he can’t let it keep hurting him. Defiling his corpse. Stop smiling at him like Rule. Stop laughing like that boy when he’s all torn to pieces.

The blade presses into his neck.

He has to, he has to—

Continuing on this being Legend’s purpose, and struggling to internalise Hyrule being dead. He hasn’t had time to process anything at all. Also, you’ve got one of the emotional turning points on this line.

It strokes his cheek and Hyrule’s face looks at him with such fondness. With that same otherworldly adoration and possessiveness he only catches glimpses of in rare moments when magic is thick in the air and the day is dying. 

Everything Legend has ever loved, has loved him so much in return.

I maintain this, for better or worse, beings, especially powerful non-human ones, adore Legend. 

The corpse’s hand cradles Legend’s cheek, just like Hyrule did on the worst nights, like he did after the worst hurts. Something in him breaks. In spite of himself he leans into it, it feels familiar. He doesn’t care. He misses Hyrule, he wants him back so badly.

Something kinda breaks. He’s not thinking about it, he just wants comfort and what does it matter if it’s false?

“See?” Warriors asks, and Legend closes his eyes as Hyrule snarls. A stupid, foolish thing, but just for a moment he can pretend, he can feel it’s his brother beside him still.

“I don’t think he’s really dead. You’re not acting like… you’re evil, sure, but Ganon has always been more concerned with taking over the world than with… destroying us personally,” Wars argues. White noise.

“I’m not—”

Hyrule, Hyrule, oh Hyrule…

Hyrule, Hyrule again, and he starts to believe he might actually be in there and it’s not just make believe.

“Or not destroying us,” Warriors says, “Look at the way you’re holding him.”

The fingers twitch against his cheek, he’s pulled a little closer.

“I don’t— I SHOULD KILL YOU.”

“But you won’t,” Legend rasps, opening his eyes.

Hyrule loves him.

Hyrule wouldn’t hurt him.

Hyrule would never let Ganon have him.

We’ll see how he feels after King part 3 but it’s what Legend believes in the moment.

“YOU CAN’T,” Hyrule roars, “HE IS MINE.”

Hyrule POV: ‘Hyrule’s body’ says this Legend POV: ‘Hyrule’ says it Warriors POV: ‘Ganon’ says it Contrast between their thoughts on it.

“There you are,” his Hyrule. That beautiful, bright, fae-kissed boy. He rests his hand on the one cupping his cheek.

Gotta keep it a little weird between the downfall boys. He’s pulling himself back together. Also I write out of order, so part of the editing was making sure the emotional progression was coherent lol. 

He knows what he has to do, the very purpose for which he was born into this world.

Again, Legend and the point of his existence, saving Hyrule, killing Ganon.

He forces himself to his feet, tangling his fingers with Hyrule’s, head and jaw still aching from the creature’s hold, throat burning and stomach roiling. He can still feel the fingers on his tongue, the flesh caught in his teeth. He lifts his bloody, gore and tear stained face and raises his chin to the monster who hurt his Hyrule.

He will kill it as many times as it takes.

Welcome back to the fucking hero of Legend.

He doesn’t need to say the words, he never needed to say the words, the Triforce burns into your soul, picks it apart and unravels it to reflect what it finds there.

There's a bit of ‘they’re not so different’ contract between the overwhelming negative feeling dark magic before and the overwhelming Triforce now. It could absolutely destroy him, but Legend just surrenders to it. It’s familiar.

he wishes Hyrule would see, and those dead eyes turn to him.

Triforce grants this little desire too

Light overtakes him.

Hyrule’s outro fades to darkness, Legend’s fades to light.

Then everything fades.

The last line is the same in both.

Woo, that’s a lot of words. Hope you enjoy, this was a fun fic to write. I don’t usually go all out on the visceral-ness of it, but I had a blast. Thanks again @rebornofstars and @nyastri

[genopaint]

And here's week 38, coming at you!

As always you can follow me on twitter where they’re posted daily

And read more info on each of them below the cut

Daily Dragon #259 / #260 / #261 / #262 - The Dragon Knights

My first attempt at a magical girl group I believe? I hope you think they're cool! I'll probably give these designs another go eventually and design their mascot / enemy. But for now I'm done lol

Daily Dragon #263 - Tarnivore

These odd dragons are presumed to have a salamander type body beneath their thick layer of tar. As its a whole species, researchers believe that they must live near a secret tar pit where they lay their eggs. Having the babies come out covered in it

As a bonus, THIS was originally the design for this dragon. But I thought the name "Tarnivore" was so cool that I couldn't waste it on a goofy little guy. So I had to make it edgier.

Daily Dragon #264 - Stubbysaur

There we go! There's some of those different medium dragons I was talking about. I got myself a thing of sticky notes and decided to do a flipbook dragon! Please excuse my nasty big old hands and how loud my fan is in the background lol

here's the original concept art before i put it to paper (or sticky note in this case)

Daily Dragon #265 - Yeti Dragon

Incredibly hairy dragons that live in frigid temperatures high in the mountains. The fur on their head resembles a larger animal to scare away potential predators!

[ratsoh-writes]

Alright! Three new side characters as promised!!

Juniper:

Juniper is a brown furred wolf monster from nomadtale! She has teal magic/eyes and stands at a modest 5’8. She’s especially fluffy on her neck and chest and is quite proud of her beautiful coat. She’s 144 years old.

Juniper of course as a nomad monster spends most of her time taking commissions for enchanted tools. She’s best working with sticks, leather and grasses. She is known for weaving baskets that can keep food warm or frozen on their own. On weekends she works at peppers salon as a nail tech.

She’s very open about her attraction to her boss, to peppers annoyance lol. This doesn’t keep juniper from dating others however, and treats the flirting as more of a game nowadays lol.

Juniper is a confident playful wolf who’s ears are always perked for some juicy gossip lol. She has trouble keeping her tail still, it’s always wagging. If it is still, she’s either tired, mad or very very hungry.

Things she loves: nail art, basket weaving, ice hockey, ice fishing, the snow, colorful vests, pepper lol

Devi Thorns:

Devi Thorns is a spunion from horror farm. She has an olive green skin and bright fiery red orange magic. When upright, she normally stands at 5’4 but can stretch her roots up enough to reach 6’3 and still be balanced. She is 98 years old.

Devi is a firefighter stationed in Goldenvalley. She and the other firefighters at her station cover a lot of ground, including the edges of the surrounding mountains, so they are always on alert. She’s worked a lot with partner when he’s reported various fires started in the country.

Devi is pretty straightforward and honest, but that’s mostly cause she just has no sense of sarcasm. She much prefers dad jokes as a sense of humor. She’s a bit innocent and doesn’t pick up on when others are being rude, or when they’re trying to flirt.

She’s terrified of raptors and despite partner trying to help her overcome it, Devi still hasn’t worked up the courage to pet sweet pea.

Things she loves: goat milk and cheese, long hoodie dresses, riding horses, fireworks, whittling, Smokey the bear lol

Argo pantheon:

Argo is a sky serpent from outertale of course. He has blue grey skin-scales and royal purple magic. He’s medium for his subspecies, only 13.2 feet long. He is one of the youngest sky serpents currently around at only 137 years old.

Argo works on captain and hooks ship as one of the crew. He is one of the offensive team in charge of jumping ship and taking chase after any criminals they spot. When not doing that, he helps keep up with ship maintenance and sometimes delivers packages to other nearby ships if it’s something small.

Argo is serious and stoic when on duty, but cheeky and goofy when off it. He’s the kind of guy who would let little kids crawl all over him, but if any tone deaf adult tries it, he bites a finger off. He likes his personal space bubble. Kids are the only exception since he likes their innocent honesty.

Argo is quite close to captain and is one of the crew mates who helps him wrangle the rest when they’re on shore. However captain doesn’t let Argo in the captains room anymore after Argo and the ships kids decided to sneak in and prank him by leaving sticky notes over every surface of the room.

Things he loves: being the fun uncle on the ship lol, anything teriyaki, spear fishing, watching thunderstorms, playing chess, wrestling.

[nocandnc]

Hello!

I just wanted to say thank you so so so much for being in the WaruYama tag.

I've been with the manga for a long time, and have been shipping the General with Yamano since the first Volume.

I know Pink's probably more likely to be a romantic partner, but gosh darn it, Yamano knows him better than a lot of people do, and he respects her opinions, at least on foods and wants to save the place she works for last in the destruction of the world.

I literally thought I wouldn't find anything on them when I looked it up today- finally breaking to the pressure of loving the ship so much- and I found you!

Thank you so much for having anything on them at all!

I love them and your cute little post-it note drawings were cute too, thank you! ❤️💓💕💝💘💖

Hi there~

Thank you so much for your kind words!! I still think about these two a lot even though the anime’s ended, it’s great to see other fans of this ship are doing the same ^///^

(Although Pink clearly likes him, I really can’t see that going anywhere as it’s purely one-sided… just a bittersweet first love for the would-be magical girl. If anything I find her and Blue more likely? Wouldn’t be the first time someone says “they’re like a sister to me” only to realize it was romantic later on lol)

But let’s keep this about WaruYama!!

I really love how he and Yamano just vibe together so well!! From the start she was able to read him, knowing he was disappointed that his favourite snack was out of stock or feeling the same reluctance about eating the Panda buns… the contrast between his ‘tall dark and stoic’ appearance and her sweet sunshine personality is also just to die for >///<

I also really love that she works at HopeMart, like… that’s where hope for coexistence begins and ends!! It’s the place he’ll spare till the very end, and so of course, Yamano as well…! Feels poetic lol

Although it’s a bit cheesy, I’ve been quietly headcanoning Yamano’s given name to be Nozomi (wish, desire, hope etc.) since she hasn’t been given one far as I know ^^;;;

Yamano Nozomi~!! I think it has a nice ring to it.

If it turns out she does have a first name, then I’d make Nozomi their child’s name instead~ (Nozomu if it’s a boy!)

I’m glad you liked my silly sticky note doodles!! I should really draw proper fanart of them sometime, but until then, here’s another one—

I like the idea of Yamano being allergic to cats, making the General’s robo kitty the perfect playmate for her ^^

Thank you so much for the Ask, feel free to pop in again anytime!!

[thebettybook]

🍓 Strawbetty Sticky Notes 🗒️

🥛 In light of recent JP news that Master Chef will be having Leona and Epel in September AHHH (I don’t even play JP; I’m just excited about a new Leona card + potential new Leona lore)

🗒️ The way JP is getting Master Chef Leona 😭 *sobbing in EN*

🗒️ Also the way I said last year that I thought Leona would be paired up with Ace for Master Chef/Culinary Crucible bc it would be cool to see their junior-senior dynamic more + the fact that they’re both younger brothers with older brothers but come from completely different lives would’ve made for cool dialogue between Leona and Ace where they learn more about each other

🗒️ But Leona paired with Epel for Master Chef is also really cool bc usually Epel is learning from Leona in the Magical Shift club they’re in together, but this time, Leona can be learning about cooking from Epel

🗒️ Also Epel and Leona make an interesting Master Chef pairing bc Epel probably grew up being in the kitchen with his Meemaw and having close family dinners whereas Leona probably grew up with the opposite

🗒️ Leona probably grew up never setting foot in a kitchen and maybe even not having regular meals with his family members growing up bc they were probably busy with their individual royal duties

🗒️ So it would be really cool if we get to learn more about Leona and his childhood or family life from his new Master Chef card

🗒️ Also cooking is a science and Leona’s great at science subjects and he’s a fast learner so I don’t think Leona will be too horrible at cooking

🗒️ It’ll be funny to see Leona get pissed off when someone gives his and Epel’s dish a “1” though LOL

🗒️ Also CHEF LEONA AHHH HE’LL LOOK SO GOOD

🗒️ The Master Chef theme is “milk” and I looked up on Google if lions drink milk and it said lion clubs only drink milk for the first 10 weeks, so I’m wondering if Leona never drank milk as a kid but I can also see him saying as a kid that he wanted to grow taller than Farena LOL

[shanny-banany]

Writer Interview Game

Thank you so much for the tag @weird-felt-hat!!!!!

When did you start writing?

I’ve always loved writing! I was in 6th grade when my childhood best friend introduced me to the magic of fanfiction though. We started out co-writing, and then as we took our writing more seriously we started sharing separately. She was the only person that’s ever known that i write fics in real life (aside from one of my sisters as of the last few months lol) and the only person I’ve actually shared my work with, and when we drifted apart in high school my sharing online tapered off as well. I kept my writing to myself for around 10 years after that, but the aoex community pulled me in a few years ago and it was like falling in love all over again.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading other than what you write?

Yes and no? What I read falls across a broader spectrum than what I’ve shared so far, but it’s more about the ending that generally needs to be in the same vein for me. Unhappy or largely unresolved endings leave me with an almost cold sort of hollowness, like im left with a characters heartache long after I’ve finished reading it, and I just really don’t like it. A happy ending scratches a really specific itch for me, and it’s what I’m personally seeking from fics in both my writing and my reading.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

I don’t think anyone’s ever directly compared me to anyone, and while I definitely have writers I look up to I wouldn’t say there are any I’d want to imitate, especially not with the intentions of surpassing.

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

I’ll write anywhere and everywhere and almost always when I shouldn’t be writing lol. My ideas usually come to me when I’m doing my best critical thinking, like when I’m tackling something complicated at work. Then I’ll start to daydream, and then I just have to jot the bits and pieces down while they’re there. My sister says it’s because I’m in “productive mode” and that’s when my brain works best. I write on my phone, my work computer, my iPad, sticky notes, whatever is close to me is good enough for me.

What’s your most effective way to muster up a muse?

I don’t have a ton of free time so I don’t usually actively try to muster up my muse, but just about any time i interact with the source material at all I end up teeming with new ideas. I have so many fics and drawings in progress, it feels like there’s always a muse hovering over me whispering about aoex.

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

Most of my writing is silly little get togethers, so there are a lot of recurring themes that are pretty expected lol, but I guess I’ve been surprised to see how much worries of inadequacy seem to flow throughout them.

What is your reason for writing?

I love it! I love writing in general, and I love the entire world of Blue Exorcist. I love Rin and Ryuuji individually as characters, and I LOVE their chemistry together. I love the relationship they’ve built in canon and how much I can build off of that in my writing. I love the resolution I can give myself through writing and I love how healing it feels for me. And I love this community and connection it’s given me as well <3

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

I don’t know if it counts as a strength, but I’ve always been very passionate about my interests and I’d like to think that shows through into my writing.

How do you feel about your own writing?

Honestly, I have a weird relationship with my writing. I’m really proud of and happy with the end result of every fic I’ve shared. But imposter syndrome is something I’ve always struggled with in a lot of different ways, and I guess because I was never singularly active in fandom before I didn’t expect how much that self-doubt would have an impact. I’m working on being gentler with myself, and with my writing, and I’m hoping that in turn I can get out of my own head and not hold myself back as much.

[saudade-mayari]

Luuuuna baby! Congrats on 500 followers, you deserve it! 💕 can I request a fluff piece where Kakashi comforts his s/o with playful teasing and kisses after she comes home from being made fun of by her friends? Iykyk lol 😭

Vibrant

❀ warnings: teasing, domestic fluffs

The anticipation you had for the silver-haired shinobi's warm welcome after the tiring and grumpy day was crumpled when you saw no single shadow of him. Maybe he's still in his D-ranked missions with Team seven. You thought while heading in the kitchen for an attempt to make dinner for you and Kakashi, but to your surprise, there's a portion of food placed on the table with a sticky note intended for you.

I hope you had a great day, y/n.

-Kakashi

You immediately rushed to his bedroom, and there you find the silver-haired shinobi wearing his classic navy blue trousers and turtle neck. You smiled at the view of it. The way the moonlight shines by the windows like it's reflecting from his hair looked so magical and serene. Finally feeling your body physically and mentally breaking down, you recklessly snuggled yourself to his body, making him grunt in surprise but finds himself hugging you back. An evident smile and a loud chuckle came out of his lips that you find so alluring, so tempting. Kakashi placed a kiss on your head then his fingerless gloves lifted your chin, making sure he sees a clearer view of your face. "How's your day, love?"

Your relieved look turns back to a grumpy one, remembering the events that had happened during your day. "Bad. Terrible. Appalling."

This time he kissed your lips, gentle but still inviting, while feeling him smile in between. For someone like Kakashi, who's not even used to receive any affection, you still find it surprising how gentle and sublime his caresses could be. You closed your eyes, welcoming the sensation of his soft caress and kisses. "Tell me about it then."

And so you did, you both sit on the bed while he hugged you from behind, resting his chin to your shoulders while you endlessly rant about how horrible your day is, about how your friends made fun of you, and how you find other things offensive. Kakashi chuckled at your various expressions.

The way your eyebrows move, your tone raises and decreases, or how your hands unconsciously swing whenever you talk a lot makes it ten times better for him. He grazed his lips over yours in a ghost kiss, then slightly brushing his lips against yours, and then he quickly pulled away with a giggle, like an excited kid who got a kiss from his crush. “I'm sure they're just comfortable to you. You know them y/n."

You frowned and faced Kakashi. Many thoughts suddenly clouded you. Is it okay to be this petty? He's a full-fledged shinobi. Having stupid and petty rants like this would be irrelevant for a man like Hatake Kakashi.

"You're not thinking that I think you're too sensitive, right y/n?" He said seriously, still hugging you from behind, but his other hand craned your neck, lovingly caressed your jaw, your cheeks, and pinched the tip of your nose.

"I am. That's what you think, Kashi."

He chuckled and went back to kissing your cheek. His fast reflexes shifted a quick peck at your lips and immediately went down. It was as if he's lingering at the sensitive spot between your neck and shoulder. His kisses felt so intoxicating, and Kakashi feels so addicted by the thought of kissing you. It was as if he could do it endlessly, anytime and any moment at all.

"Love, if you think it's too much, then you can talk to them and you’re not sensitive okay.”

You looked away, slightly feeling embarrassed. "What if they say something about me?"

Kakashi kissed you again, this time deeper and intense but the playful smile... or rather a smirk is still evident in his lips.

"They're your friends. They'll understand. They're just so comfortable to you, just like Gai and I, but none of it affected our friendship."

You finally shifted your entire body to him, seeing Kakashi's playful smile turned into a wider grin as you pushed yourself in his lap. You knew there was just something glistening in that mismatched eyes.

"Are you even aware how much of a sweet talker you are..." You answered, placing a gentle kiss on his little beauty mark then up to his lips. Kakashi did not let the chance go; he instead pulled you more closer to him, still chuckling by your embraces, and just the way he giggles a lot whenever he's with you felt so vibrant and soothing.

"My lips could do something even better than that though..."

You pressed yourself harder to him, slightly feeling his semi-hardened shaft. "Really? Show it to me then.."

Kakashi took all his self-control to lightly push you away from the little scenario he had created which made you grunt in annoyance. He chuckled again as he kissed your forehead, down to the tip of your nose, then finally to your lips. So addicting. Like a vice he never wants to get over with.

"I would love to, but I'll reheat your dinner first, then I'll show it after. I could come with you tomorrow so you could talk with your friends, what do you say?" He offered cautiously, thinking that he may change the mood if he mentions the topic.

"You helped a lot already. I love you."

"I love you too."

You smiled and gave him one final kiss before he heads out of the bedroom. Despite being a shinobi, the way those calloused hands caress you feels so gentle and delicate.

And the way he smiled and chuckled back just took out all the negativity you had felt this day. Like a happy pill, definitely a vibrant sun in your life.

Requests for 500 followers event status: CLOSED

Events Masterlist

[roxasboxas]

ooh, how about "dripping silver, burning iron" for the fic title ask? (i hope you don't mind all the asks i just really like knowing what kinda story people can craft from a title alone)

(context)

this. would actually work for an au idea thats been bouncing around in my brain for a while lol. It’s basically a KH retelling with a hypercondensed timeline in the original setting I’ve been developing since middle school, but here’s as an overview of this plotline as ported:

- Xehanort is a fae and has aquired two children. Twins by the names of Ventus and Namine. The precise details of Ven and Nami’s situation are a bit of a long story so the short version is they have magic blood, for wish rituals

- Xehanort uses Ventus’ magic blood ritual to create Vanitas, so Namine runs away and joins up with Lauriam, Elrena, and Strelitzia, while Xehanort decides he can’t really do much with a half dead 12 year old and dumps him on Eraqus per canon

- Something something time skip, Xehanort manipulates Terra (the precise manner of how is one of the sticky points bc i had an idea but its basically discount norting and doesnt feel right in the new setting) for OrgXIII reasons

- Eraqus dies and while Aqua and Ventus dip to go rally some ppl to fight Xehanort with, Terra goes and gets apprenticed at this funky castle (with attached town) where one of the other apprentices (Ienzo) also happens to have magic blood like Ventus and Namine

- Terra (for Xehanort reasons) uses Ienzo’s magic blood to magic all the important characters in the area into a cult. They also get some more people, including Lauriam and Elrena, who are initially infiltrating but kind of get caught up in the lingering magical effects of what happened to Ienzo, and Roxas, who they get by raiding another, unrelated cult.

- Eventually OrgXIII snags Namine and Vexen replicates the way Vanitas got made, but with Namine this time, and that’s where Xion comes from.

- OrgXIII wrecks shop where Xehanort used to live for a while and sparks some questing from Sora, Kairi, and Riku. Sora’s just gonna go beat them up head on, Kairi’s opting to look for someone with exposition, and Riku is down in my notes as going on a “getting a new mom” quest which I’m not entirely sure what that means anymore bc it’s been a bit

- Riku runs into Mickey, who is married to Minnie who is also a fae but like a cooler and nicer one than Xehanort. I dont actually know what species Mickey is in this au because there are a FEW of them but he looks human enough because none of those species are giant talking mice

- Kairi runs into Aqua and Ventus and gets exposition from them and joins their “dunk on Xehanort” initiative after finding out he had a major hand in Terra’s current vibes

- Sora beats up Terra and he goes back to OrgXII to sulk

- The destiny trio (+ Aqua and Ventus, NOT + Mickey because he still has bureaucratic responsibilities) meet back up, go to where OrgXIII is, and get Namine and Ienzo because they’re still lucid because of their magic blood

- This is basically where the whole thing falls apart which is why nothing has happened with it yet

[intothewickedwood]

Once Upon A Time Rewatch: 6x14 Page 23

Okay what episode do we have today?

Ah okay, a Regina centric. That’s cool.

Is that the same guard Snow stripped naked in 1x16? Whaaaat?! Just looked it up and it totally is! Awesome call back! I’m going to name him Jim.

Oh my God, she killed Jim!!

Wait, so this has to be after Heart of Darkness.

The terrified look on that woman’s face when Regina strokes her chin, looks at her longingly and tells her she loves her. Omg Regina was in love with this woman all along! It was never about Daniel. It was about Christina! I’m naming her Christina. 

They are my otp now.

How did Tinker Bell get out of neverland? Pan decides when people leave, and I doubt he’d let her leave just to pay a visit with the Evil Queen. But then and again maybe it was all part of his big plan.

Oh. Pixie dust doesn’t dictate who your true love is. It just shows you possibilities. That’s not what you said before, Tinker Bell!

Regina, we all know you spared her because she’s your ex-girlfriend.

Actually, this visit from Tinker Bell is odd because she doesn’t seem angry at all like when she, like, wanted to kill Regina in 3x03. How did she go from, “okay. I lost my wings because of you but it’s all cool. I just want my otp together.” to “I’m gonna f***ing drug you with pixie dust and rip your heart out!”?

Also, this is the Evil Queen I like to see. So cold, terrifying and breaking on the inside. I’m not a fan of the humorous one in 6x02. I wish Split Queen was more like this as well. Ah different writers and director. Interesting.

Split Queen: “…not some burlap-loving peasant who sleeps on dirt.” Wish Robin: “Excuse me, I sleep on hay.” Important distinction!

Snow’s so excited about the wedding, bless her.

Lol Zelena just drags Emma’s hand to look at her ring. My girl loves shiny things! And how could I forget, her otp is getting married! She is in heaven right now!

I love Emma just casually talking to Zelena like they’re gal pals at a sleepover. More of this please! 

I can see what sqers say about this scene. Regina really does look hurt by the notion of Emma getting married. There is no heterosexual reason for her to react like this unless she’s in love with Hook. I think this is the only time they hug. Man, I feel so bad for sqers because upon this rewatch I can really see where they are coming from with that interpretation. It’s definitely there. And then they hug because Emma’s getting married to someone else. I would be so upset if that was my otp. What am I talking about, I watched 10 seasons of Smallville as a hardcore Chloe x Clark shipper. I think this exact scenario played out and it freaking hurts! 

In other news, I am so in love with Snow. Have I mentioned that? I feel like I haven’t mentioned it in a while and it needs to be said. 

I’m also in love with David, in case you forgot. I want to join their marriage. Can I join their marriage? I’m joining their marriage. Emma, I’m your mummy now. Don’t think about the age difference too much. 

I’ve eaten a lot of chocolate already today. Can you tell? I feel so alive! I want to share my social security number and be freeee!! I am trying to block out my anxiety about having to move house again next friday. Yep, that’s right, 4th place in two years. I think I will write all of these high on chocolate.

What would happen if you cut your hair with those sheers? Or your garden bush? No, that is not a euphemism, you dirty bastards (affectionate). 

I haven’t had a haircut in 10 years. Holy cow! That’s why my afro is so big, it’s full of secrets. 

Nemo is your dad now, Hook. Even though I’m pretty sure he’s a lot younger than you. 

He called him “My boy.” hehe.

I remember when I thought Hook and Rumple had the same mother. That would have been quite the twist.

I thought that vase of flowers was a giant cauliflower. Did you know broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, brussels sprouts and turnips are all related? I wonder what thanksgivings are like when they all get together. Probably not fun for them. 

See what I did there xD? 

Emma: “This is my fault. I’m the one who convinced you to bring him here. It’s on me.” Regina: “Emma, you don’t have anything to make up for. You were just trying to help.” Omg, this compared to when she told Emma she’d ruined her life because Emma saved Marian. The development. I really appreciate this change because I nearly lost it with Regina when that was her attitude. 

Screw it, I’m making bean enchiladas. Brb. I’ll save you some!

I’m back! They’re in the oven. Anyone wants the recipe hmu! They’re veggie! 

You just know Split Queen and Wish Robin have a sexy dungeon in their castle. They just do.

Enchanted ropes would have been useful in so many situations.

The enchiladas are ready! Repeat after me, Becky: “I will remember oven gloves this time, I will remember oven gloves this time.”

Robin is so into Split Queen. He wants her to live with him and everything, even though they just met. 

I don’t think that arrow would have taken her to Robin since it takes her to the thing she loves most. She can’t love someone she’s never met. We all know it would shoot Christina right in the ass. That’s true love biatches! Evil Peasant 5ever!

Oh snap! Emma found Hook looking at himself killing her grandfather??! I completely forgot about this!

Why does she say, “That’s David’s father”? Why doesn’t she say, “That’s my grandfather,” or “That’s my dad’s dad”? She hasn’t called her dad ‘David’ in years. It’s like she’s trying to separate herself from the victim as much as possible.

She’s not even a little bit upset he killed her dad’s dad? That that event caused her father so much pain? She’s just infuriated that he tried to burn his memory. I mean, yes, she should be angry about that but where’s the empathy for her dad at least? I didn’t know any of my grandfathers well but if I found out I was engaged to someone who did that I would be angry for my grandparent, angry for my parent and angry for myself. I’m just speechless that that’s all she cares about. It seems so out of character. But then and again Regina had her other grandad killed. 

And now he’s gonna leave because he rightfully got told off. Can’t say I’d offer the same thing but she said, “until you’re ready” not “you’ll never be ready”, dude. 

I think he’s just scared David will punch him in the face at this point. It’s the only explanation for doing the exact opposite thing Emma asked of him.

“Captain Hook is always welcome on the Nautilus.” More like welcome on the naughty list after that stunt.

She doesn’t want a man, Henry Sr. She just confessed her deep, passionate, sexual love for Christina like 20 minutes ago, remember? Sometimes I wonder why I bother. It’s not even subtext, dude. Get it together, man.

Why don’t they fight themselves with magic?

Her dad is so heartbroken the person Regina hates most is herself. 

That is really sad that the person she hates most his herself. I can relate.

Yes! Launch those apples at yourself! 

My conversations with myself be like-

Oh boy. This is too reminiscent of conversations with myself. Yes, I sword fight myself wearing a fancy black, cleavage-revealing dress in my head all the time. Only joking, I wear trilby hats. 

Oh okay. Now they’re tying each other up. I see what this is really about. I still haven’t bleached the “we do like it rough, don’t we Regina?” line from my mind. 

I suppose she did take back some of her own darkness. But I was hoping she would just merge herself back together. That would have been a really predictable outcome, but I just would have preferred it. 

This scene is so weird lol, but it helped me tremendously. I used to hate myself so, so much. You don’t even understand. It was like a violent hatred for myself for not fitting in and for every single little mistake I’d ever made. Then with a lot of self- healing and the help of this episode I began my journey into loving myself. I wrote on a sticky note “Love yourself. If the Evil Queen can do it, so can you.” and stuck it to my wall. Nothing I’ve done is comparable to what the Evil Queen has done and if she can learn to love herself, why can’t everyone else. Anyone who’s struggling with self-hatred, please take this episode to heart. You are worthy of love, most importantly from yourself. Any time you find yourself hating yourself just try to remember this scene and that the flipping Evil Queen of all people recognised the importance of self-love and didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought. She damn well gave herself a chance. I’ve heard a good technique is looking in the mirror and telling yourself what you love about you. Even if you’re not feeling it at first, you could get into the habit of it and your brain will start to accept those words as true. Because they are true.

Aww she sees the Charmings as her family. 

Regina: “it did give me hope when I needed it most, and that is just as important.” Oh my God, preach the word Regina! Regina is preaching with fire today! 

It’s like she’s having a therapy session with herself. I need to do that. I really do. Then I need to get actual therapy lol xD. But baby steps! 

Okay. A loophole as to how he can change Split Queen’s story. You know what, at this point I’ve learnt just to go with it.

Can Snow and Zelena be best friends? Please. It’s literally all I want in life. And to join Snowing’s marriage. I’m not asking for much. I’ll talk about it in self-therapy.

Henry’s got Gideon’s haircut now. He wants to be cool like his uncle.

I want to look at myself with the love and adoration Regina looks at herself with. We should all get to that point where we look like we’re about to intensely make out with ourselves when we look in the mirror. 

I know what they were doing with page 23. I just wish Split Queen had changed her outfit so it could have been exactly like the page illustration. But I don’t think it was meant to predict the future. It was just one of Isaac’s fanfictions, wasn’t it? Hmm. I think it was a mystery to him as well if I can remember correctly.

It’s nice that oq shippers got their ship in the end in one form.

Snow is just constantly high up to her eyeballs on hope, bless her. 

Emma needs a dog. She seems like such a dog person.

Also, that enchilada was yumilicious, if I do say so myself.

[purplesurveys]

1198

Have you ever bought a YouTuber’s merch?  No. Most of the merch that had been put out when I was still into YouTubers were always underwhelming and overpriced, anyway.

Do you think oatmeal tastes better when made with water or milk?  Eugh, I don’t like oatmeal. Ate it everyday for breakfast as a kid and I just want nothing to do with anymore.

Have you ever left a note in a library book?  No. I’m pretty sure that counted as vandalism or at least under some kind of violation, so I never did anything to my borrowed books beyond reading them.

What time of day do you prefer to wash your hair?  There’s no time of day for me; I just wash it whenever I feel like showering.

Has anyone ever spread lies about you?  Just a couple times when I was in like middle school but it was all very superficial stuff that I never think about.

Have you ever taken a photograph with a celebrity? If so, did it turn out the way you wanted, or do you wish you could retake it?  Nah. I freak out about the idea of meeting celebrities and always turn down or pass up any opportunity I get lmao. I don’t handle nervousness well so I don’t trust myself to be able to behave or speak properly.

If you could move out of your home country permanently, would you? If so, where would you go?  Yeah, anything to get out of this shithole. I’d love to move to Canada.

Is there a celebrity that everyone else seems to love, but you find totally overrated? Why is it that you don’t like them?  Taylor Swift. Her music’s just never fallen under my personal preferences, but I don’t actively hate on her or bash her when there’s been no reason to.

If you could volunteer for any charity, which one would you choose? Do you think it’s more important to help humans, or are animal and environmental charities equally important?  I don’t think acts of charity should be compared. Personally though, I tend to lean towards causes for animals.

Do you prefer holidays where you relax, or actually do things? My family alwaysssssss makes sure our itineraries are absolutely packed when we go on vacations. Seems like a waste of money to travel to a new place just to stay holed up in our hotel room.

Do you think that after we die our spirit is still alive?  No, I don’t believe in those to begin with.

Has anybody ever told you that you could be a model? Yeah, usually because of my build. I hate posing and being in front of a camera, though.

Do you use different kinds of moisturizer for different body parts? ie. hand lotion for your hands, face cream for your face. Or do you just use one moisturizer for all body parts?  I don’t use skincare products, though I should probably start because my skin is finally biting me in the ass and giving me breakouts 23 years later lol.

Have you ever felt like you were someone’s rebound? Nope.

Has anybody ever broken up with you over something really pathetic? What was it? Have you ever been dumped in a disrespectful way? (eg. through text, through a friend..)  I wouldn’t say it was over something pathetic. She had her reasons and I respect that. Doesn’t mean I can’t resent her.

Did you have a lot of role models as a kid?  Not really.

Do you feel like anyone looks up to you? Why or why not? I don’t know, but this isn’t a compliment I get a lot either. I don’t actively try to be a role model, so I don’t care about maintaining such an image.

What was the last thing you found offensive? My mom often throws around subtle homophobic remarks in passing. She knows I hate them because I shoot her a glare every time she does it, but for some reason she never learns...

Who is the nicest person you know?  Angela.

Do you feel safe in your country?  In a country where the president is a blatant liar, misogynist, has anger and cursing issues, and enables extrajudicial killings? Safety is a dream here.

Do you feel safe where you live?  Very technically speaking, yeah I do since it’s a gated village so nothing ever happens here.

Have you been falsely diagnosed with something by a bad doctor?  Not necessarily misdiagnosed, but I’m pretty sure I was prescribed the wrong set of medicines for my UTI last year...nothing came out of taking those pills and I felt just as sick (and dead) as I was after a couple of days. The only reason I got better was Angels’s mom is a doctor and gave me the right meds to take, which worked on me within a couple of hours.

Have you ever had a doctor refuse to treat you?  No.

Name the strangest game you’ve ever played (video game or real game): WarioWare is suuuuuuuch a weird game haha. Doesn’t stop me from enjoying it, though.

Do you know anyone who has been struck by lightning before?  Not that I know of.

Which cartoon character would you want to keep as a pet? Gary from Spongebob.

Do you like marshmallows?  Haaaaaaaate them. I never got used to its weird, sticky texture so I always take them out when they’re included in like drinks and desserts.

What is your favorite flavor of candy cane?  I don’t consume candy canes much. Too sweet.

Have you ever fostered an animal?  Nope.

Do you still take hot showers when it’s hot out?  No, I want the water to be as cold as possible.

When writing $ sign, do you draw one line through the S or two?  I do two, though I rarely have any reason to write down the dollar sign in general.

What animal have you always wanted as a pet but couldn’t have?  We weren’t allowed to have dogs as kids because we “wouldn’t be able to take care of them” – which they were right about, anyway. But we have two now, so it all worked out in the end.

List three people you’ve had crushes on:  Gabie, Andi...and that’s it, really.

Have you ever thrown up from cramps?  No. Fortunately my period cramps have never been that bad, and the only time they can be a headache is if they’re the leg crampjp that sends me waking up in the middle of the night.

List three people you had a hard time forgiving.  I don’t really forgive. If someone fucks up badly enough that I feel the need to cut them off, that’s pretty much it for me.

Who is the most spiritual person you know?  I don’t know.

Would you ever start a vlog?  Sure. I’ve always wanted to try it, but I don’t have a decent vlogging camera and am not invested enough in the venture to spend on one. In general I’m also not comfortable being in front of the camera, as I’ve already shared several times here. Vlogging does look fun though, and I definitely would’ve already given it a shot if only I felt more comfortable.

Are your dreams coming true yet?  Some of the short-term ones, sure.

Do you struggle with depression?  I go through phases of it, but I’ve never been formally diagnosed just because I’ve never booked a trip to the psychiatrist.

Are you haunted by your past?  No

What medical conditions do you have?  Do scoliosis and lactose intolerance count? Those are the main issues I have.

Do you use a Magic Bullet?  Why did I think this was a vibrator...? Anyway, I looked it up and no, I’ve never used one.

What does your apron look like?  I’ve never had to use one regularly.

What are your favorite spicy foods?  Curry, tteokbokki, ramen, samgyeopsal with ssamjang, spicy fried chicken.

Which do you like better: being an adult or being a kid?  Being an adult has a lot more freedom to it even though I have to go through heavier and deeper shit, so it’s still more worth it to me.

Were you excited to be a teenager on your thirteenth birthday?  I was heavily depressed back then, and was for a while, so I didn’t have any feelings about turning 13. I don’t even remember my birthdays up until the 15th.

Did you feel insecure in high school?  In the first half, yeah. But I started opening up more and gaining friends by junior year, so at that point I wasn’t feeling too shy anymore.

Would you ever be friends with someone who was suicidal?  I hate this question that I am simply ignoring it.

Who was the biggest bully in high school?  My school didn’t tolerate bullies so no one ever dared to be one, in the grand scheme of things. But back in kindergarten Kaira used to love targeting me - she was my big bully before she became my friend, lol.

What was your favorite class in high school? History, of course. I personally didn’t like literature but I enjoyed English classes, just because it was easy and was a guaranteed A+ in my report card.

Would you rather have a daughter or a son?  Daughter. 

Have you ever written to an advice columnist? Nope.

Have you ever had a doctor not believe what you told him?  Not really, but I’ve had a doctor be a total asshole towards me before.

If you’re female, would you feel uncomfortable having a male gynecologist?  No.

Do you like Lisa Frank?  No.

What gives you nightmares?  I don’t really get nightmares.

Were you ever hospitalized as a child?  Nope. I was hospitalized one time, and I had been 11 then.

Did you get senior pictures taken?  Yeah, for both high school and college.

What color is your bicycle? The family bike is blue and silver. Not that I could ride it, lol.

Did you ever have to take home a fake baby in health class?  No...is that a practice in other schools? That’s so weird if it was.

Would you rather wear ivory or white on your wedding day? What color will your bridesmaids wear?  White. Ivory can be for the bridesmaids, actually.

Would you rather have a swimming pool or trampoline?  Swimming pool. Trampolines are neat, but I would get bored of them so quickly.

Do you think babies are cute? For the most part yes, the only exception being if I have to be exposed with a baby/toddler that is prone to screech-crying. My patience is an extremely thin line when it comes to children like that lol and I FEEL BAD for feeling like so... but I just can’t deal with harsh sounds like that one.

Do you dream about the future a lot?  I guess I daydream sometimes but it’s nothing obsessive.

Do you think about your past a lot?  I’ll daydream or feel resentful sometimes, depending on what or who I’m thinking about lol. But I don’t stay in the past for too long.

How good are you at living in the moment?  I’m a lot better at it. It’s nice to be in the now.

Have you ever questioned God’s existence?  I did starting when I was 10, and I also disowned my religion by that time.

Vanilla frosting or chocolate? Chocolate foreverrrrr.

What’s your favorite foreign cuisine?  It’s always a three-way tie among Indian, Malaysian, and Thai.

Have you ever moved to another state?  No. We don’t even live in states.

Did you do anything productive today?  Well I had work today, so yeah I’d say I was. I had two meetings and worked on a bunch of spreadsheets and decks, so it was a pretty productive day.

Can you say the alphabet backwards?  Nope.

Do you like flowers?  Sure, but I’m not obsessed. It always feels nice to receive them, though.

Have you ever thought you were gonna die?  Every single time I get catcalled by men I always have the fear that they’d go all the way and drag me away to my death. That’s why I’m usually in shock whenever it happens and I’m never able to retort.

What kind of mood are you in today?  Super relieved because it’s Friday. A bit guilty because I had Starbucks delivered when I had already spent a lot this week, but I keep telling myself I deserve it after working all week haha. I just wanna enjoy my coffee and salmon dill sandwich in peace lmaooooo

What are you craving right now?  This salmon sandwich I ordered, so I’m hella glad I got it.

Is there anyone you would seriously punch right now if you had the chance?  Maybe shove, but not punch.

What is worse, physical or emotional pain?  Physical. My pain tolerance is extremely low, lol.

Have you ever walked in on somebody doing something… questionable? I don’t think I have.

If you were to make videos on YouTube, what would they be of?  I think just doing the trendy games like the Lie Detector game would be fun haha. I wouldn’t take it too seriously.

Posting pictures of yourself in a bathing suit on the internet - ok or not? ...It’s 2021.

Do you typically laugh when somebody falls down?  If it’s a close friend or a relative I’m close with, yeah. Anyone else I would immediately try to help.

What is the most disturbing movie you’ve ever watched?  Eraserhead or Under the Skin, which I didn’t even bother finishing.

Your opinion of Katy Perry, please?  I like her older songs.

If you could say anything to your Mom right now… what would it be?  Stop acting like a brat when you don’t get your way. You’re literally reaching 50.

[rvmmm21]

. pizza or jajangmyeon? .

not sure how you like bottom!futa!irene, but i sure do lol. its fun to flip the roles sometimes. i did this impulsively (and deliriously) at 5am so do forgive the errors. 

(my first smut. first off, why did i start off, with no experience, with g!p? and then carrying on from there, let’s just say maybe i shouldn’t do this ever again)

friggin have no idea how much i cringed writing this lol.

...

Hmm… butter, lettuce, carrots, watermelon… Wannie’s oranges and a bunch of grapes for Yerimie.

Joohyun idly twiddled the pen between her fingers, making sure she got the list down pat before leaving the house. It had been too long since she’d done a grocery run, and by the state of their fridge, she could already hear the pizza boy ringing their doorbell.

Those kids, she sighed to herself, they’re going to start turning into pizzas. Or jajangmyeon. Not this time. They’re going to eat a salad tonight if I have to fork it down their throats myself.

Folding the post-it note neatly and slipping it into her back pocket, she grabbed her phone and wallet, giving herself a once-over in the mirror before making for the living room.

“Yah! Give it back!” a voice boomed through the hallway, making Joohyun’s eyes roll up to the heavens. She turned the corner, only just managing to avoid being knocked over by the tornado of a chase that was going on in the house.

Seungwan was jumping on the sofa, one arm up with a phone tightly clutched in her hand. She was waving it around, taunting a screaming Yerim, who was going berserk beneath her, trying to swipe it out of her hand.

“Admit it then!” the girl yelled down, holding the phone out of reach, “you cheated! You bumped me on purpose, because you knew I was winning!”

This riled the younger girl up even more.

“I literally slipped! Plus, you suck! You weren’t even winning you were like 4th!”

“Yeah, still better than 8th you idiot,” she retorted, playfully dangling the phone in front of the sulky girl.

Exasperated, Joohyun turned to the direction of the commotion, one hand already on the door handle. She hadn’t even bothered to ask why this was all happening, already too accustomed to her troublemakers and their antics. She glanced down at her watch.

Oh damn, I’ve only got half an hour till closing. Better sort this out quick.

“Hey! You two.”

Seungwan and Yerim hadn’t even noticed her about to leave the house till now, turning their attention to her.

“Seungwan, enough with the teasing. Give Yerim her phone back. And you two need to stop arguing. I swear, it’s every time… I will ban Mario Kart for a lifetime, don’t make me do it.”

Not wanting to further irritate an already irritated Joohyun, Seungwan hopped off the sofa and handed Yerim back her phone, the two of them now seeming more interested in where she was going.

“Unnie, where are you going?” she asked, casually strolling over to Joohyun with Yerim in tow.

“Just giving us options other than pizza or jajangmyeon tonight,” Joohyun answered simply.

This propelled an entire slew of pouts and protests from her dongsaengs, now engaged in a one-sided argument about wanting to have takeout tonight instead of ‘stupid healthy’ vegetables.

“No,” Joohyun said firmly, “You girls are going to have healthy food tonight whether you like it or not. No more takeout!”

Both girls exchanged hurried glances before rushing past her pressing their backs to the door, effectively barricading her in. The older girl flinched being pushed out the way, and inwardly groaned, eyes rolling skywards once again.

“Yah, let me through. There’s not much time left.”

Yerim looked at Seungwan before turning back to her.

“But unnie,” she sounded uncharacteristically concerned, “How are you going out with those messy trousers?

Joohyun’s eyebrows furrowed when she saw two small smirks creep up the corners of the mouths of the two girls before her. Those smirks could mean very few things, and those ‘things’ meant, more often than not, trouble. She looked down at the loose beige joggers she had on. They were fine? A bit thin and crinkly, admittedly, but they were her favourite pair! And she was just going to the shops, after all.

She looked up again, confused.

“Huh? My trousers? They’re not mess-”

But before she could even finish, Joohyun found the wind knocked right out of her, as she was roughly tackled to the floor, now flat on her back with Yerim straddling her chest. Her legs were pinning Joohyun’s arms down, and despite her commendable attempt at struggling out from underneath, Yerim had positioned herself too far up her chest to allow her any leverage.

“G-get off me, ugh,” she huffed, eventually stilling under the girl’s whole-body weight.

“Oops, sorry unnie,” Yerim innocently giggled, clearly enjoying Joohyun’s pink flushed cheeks as she gave her bum a little wiggle on top of the squirming girl.

Joohyun’s entire view was obscured by Yerim’s clothed core a little too close to her face. She couldn’t even see Seungwan seated in between her legs until she felt two hands shove her knees wide apart. Joohyun gave a small yelp as she felt two legs abruptly land on both her bent knees, weighing them down and keeping her spread.

“Unnie,” a voice from behind Yerim made her presence known, “Aren’t you getting us takeout tonight?”

“N-no,” the heaved reply came. Her lungs were starting to sting from the pressure.

Unfortunately, breathing wasn’t the only thing that was getting a little hard right now.

And it didn’t go unnoticed, either.

“Ooh Yerimie,” Yerim turned back at Seungwan’s snide remark, a smile playing on her lips as she glanced down to the tent forming in Joohyun’s trousers, “looks like your cute little panties are getting Joohyun unnie very excited.”

At this, Yerim beamed, pulling her skirt up higher and bunching it around her waist so Joohyun had a devastatingly clear view of the baby pink cotton underwear she had on. Scooting up a bit higher, she playfully grinded her hips, as her own little wet spot began to form on her panties, knowing the effect she was having on her powerless unnie. Joohyun shut her eyes and groaned, using all her might to will her growing arousal down, but it was getting increasingly hard with the inescapable proximity and the hands that were now rubbing her helplessly hardening cock. Without her consent, her hips began bucking up into the groping hands, desperate to get some friction, desperate to get even harder.

It was getting too much to bear.

She was fully erect in mere seconds.

Seungwan licked her lips at the sight.

“Careful there,” she warned, squeezing her, “don’t get too excited… I want to have some fun with it too.”

The older girl could only let out a breathy moan in response as Seungwan kept massaging her clothed erection. Her mind keeled at the heady aroma emanating from Yerim’s heat, every inhale made her cock twitch painfully incessantly.

She was sure she could have cum right there.

“Little Hyun’s coming out to play now,” Seungwan chided, reaching past Joohyun’s waistband, freeing her swollen member and her full, heavy balls. She couldn’t help but take a few moments to admire the older girl’s prodding length, stiff and pulsing in her grip.

Joohyun gasped and flinched slightly, feeling the heat of a pair of lips trail along the underside of the head, maddeningly light and teasing. As much as she tried to hold it in, more than a few wanton moans escaped her throat when the lips turned from exploring the length of her shaft to wrapping themselves around the whole mushroom head. Thick, juicy lips created a deliciously tight suction as a warm tongue tickled the slit and flicked the sensitive bundle of nerves underneath. Spurts of precum trickled from the girl’s achingly teased cock, which Seungwan lapped up immediately, the salty liquid tingling her taste buds.

Every suck, every lick felt like electric jolts were zipping through Joohyun’s body, making her buck even harder. Little Hyun wanted nothing more but to bury itself in the cavern of Seungwan’s warm mouth. The younger girl knew full well how worked up Joohyun was and what she wanted, needed. But she simply smirked around her cock and carried on with the torture; just the tip. She was waiting for those magic words.

And she didn’t have to wait long at all.

“P-please, oh gosh, pl-please,” the voice was small, barely audible, but Seungwan heard it crystal clear.

Her lips left Joohyun’s cockhead with a comical ‘pop’, leaving her boner springing back and hitting her belly. Precum was still leaking from the tip, now forming a sticky little pool on her stomach. Yerim, who was a huge part of the reason Joohyun’s cock was drooling non-stop, looked back at Seungwan with a sly grin.

They had her right where they wanted her.

“Please? Please what?” Seungwan grinned widely, eyes locked with Yerim’s the entire time.

No answer.

“Hm?” she cupped her hand over her ear, leaning in and pretending to listen.

There was a small, uncomfortable shift from the girl trapped on the floor under them.

“No? Nothing?” Seungwan pursed her lips into a tight line, glancing nonchalantly up at Yerim, who pointedly shrugged, “Well, I guess we’re done, then. We’ll leave you, uh… to it.”

Their smiles grew wider as they heard the smallest of whines followed by adorable hip wriggles, the momentum making her erection slide side to side on her belly like a metronome.

“…p-pleasegetmeoff…pleasesuckit…”

This time, Yerim looked down at a sweaty, heaving Joohyun; fringe matted, beads of sweat spotted across her forehead and the sweetest blush adorning her pretty cheeks.

“What did you say? I don’t think Wannie unnie can hear you from all the way back there.”

A girly chuckle escaped her smirking lips as she beheld a flush of crimson rapidly spread from Joohyun’s neck up to her face.

They’re really going to make a girl say it, huh.

She had a good mind to halt their cruel little game right there, giving them an earful and an early bedtime for winding her up. But she couldn’t take the teasing anymore. It was agonising being ripped from paradise like that. She needed more. She needed it all the way.

And she just broke, trying to ignore the burning in her lungs from having her breathing restricted and her heart racing.

“P-PLEASE SUCK ME, MAKE ME CUM please, please I can’t takeitanymore, please…” the yells dissolved into whimpers as her mind could focus on nothing but her neglected boner, although it was still as ragingly hard as it was to begin with.

The girls basked in the triumph. The triumph of getting Joohyun to actually voice her needs. They always longed to hear those moans of pleasure as they teased her body, longed to melt that pretentious ice queen façade, to watch her lose herself and come undone under their skillful manipulations. So, getting her to be vocal about what she wanted just added to the thrill.

“Oh!” Joohyun rasped as she felt the base of her cock in a vice-like grip.

“All you had to do was ask, unnie.”

And with that, all Joohyun’s sensory levels spiked off the charts. Both girls doubled their ministrations. Seungwan’s mouth enveloped her rod whole, taking it all the way to the hilt. Her tongue pressed flat against the underside, mercilessly stimulating every single nerve and every single sensitive area it had to offer. Yerim had now pushed her panties to the side, revealing her naked heat, coated in slick. Joohyun felt a hand in her hair, and the next thing she tasted was Yerim’s dripping arousal, nose pressed against her swollen little bud as she grinded herself onto her face.

“Oh yes, unnie, right there,” the young girl threw her head back, eyes shut in rapture as she rode Joohyun’s red face, “Does this turn you on? Eating me out like this while unnie sucks you off? You can’t help yourself, can you? You’re gonna cum. Unnie’s mouth is gonna make you cum so hard.”

Muffled moans of agreement were coming from the older girl as she lapped at Yerim like she was born to do nothing else, while gyrating her hips into the mouth expertly pleasuring her engorged, reddened cock.

It was absolutely unholy.

Seungwan took her mouth off Joohyun, but kept pumping her swollen prick with her hand, left palm kneading her balls, forcing the girl closer and closer to the edge. Her vision was blurring slightly, body preparing for an unavoidably intense release.

Oh my god, it’s coming, I can’t hold it much longer…

“Oh, Joohyun unnie…”

Dazed beyond belief, Joohyun’s foggy mind could barely discern Seungwan’s voice faintly addressing her. She tried her best to focus, but her impending orgasm was greatly overpowering her will to do so.

“You know, I think Yerim and I agree with you. We will eat healthy tonight. You’ve got about ten minutes left before closing, I’m sure you’ll make it if you run.”

The decision to grocery shop had long since been swept away. Joohyun had even forgotten why she was on the floor in the first place, only knowing she was about two seconds away from exploding in pure pleasure.

She paused to laugh, finding herself the funniest person on earth.

“Aw, too bad your pants are a mess though. Can’t go out looking like that. You’ll have to change them first.”

Joohyun didn’t have to be able to see Seungwan to hear the wicked lilt she had in her voice as she spoke.

Wait my w-what?

Just like that, Bae Joohyun wished she could retract all the urges she had to cum. Her eyes widened in horror as she realised what the girls had meant and planned all along. There was no point even trying to distract herself from cumming, not between Seungwan’s tight fist skillfully going to town on her aching member and being encompassed in Yerim’s sweet juices. It was about as effective as cutting anything with a bent knife.

“N-no, please d-don’t,” she tried to beg.

But it was too late. Seungwan had already stuffed her cock back into her trousers, making sure to aim the head right where the crotch area was. Her hand continued to pump the other girl’s shaft until she felt it throb, all resistance shattered. With a fragmented cry, Joohyun’s hips arched, abs clenched and toes curled, drenched in sweat. Light beige turned into the darkest grey as she embarrassingly soiled her joggers with thick, hot cum. A cruel smirk crawled on the younger girl’s cute little face as she gripped it tighter, forcefully milking string after string of virile seed from Joohyun’s swollen cock.

“Oh my god, unnie,” Yerim teased, pausing to join Seungwan in watching the girl forced to cum in her pants, “Such a naughty girl, you couldn’t hold it? We need to work on your self control.”

Joohyun wasn’t listening; her head lolled in a daze, whole body going limp as all her muscles relaxed simultaneously after having been contracted for what seemed like forever. She felt the pressure she didn’t even realise was there anymore lifted off her chest, as Yerim got to her feet to get towels so they could start cleaning themselves and the exhausted, drained girl on the floor.

After Yerim disappeared from her glazed over line of sight, she was almost immediately replaced by Seungwan.

She didn’t miss the smug look etched into her pretty features.

“So, unnie… pizza or jajangmyeon?”

[writehardwhumpharder]

Drugging Carson for fun - Carson series

(I decided to just start using the titles for works that I put on my notes lol)

Also on Ao3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/27982710

Carson stared at the small vial on the table in front of him, "you're kidding, right?"

Riley's expression didn't change, "it only works on magicians."

"Still I'm not gonna drink some un-tested, maybe poisonous material just for you to 'see what happens'," Carson said, pushing the vial away defiantly. Morris folded his hands over his desk in thought. "Are you really on board with this?" He asked him.

"Look, Carson, it is proven to be completely safe and could be a major help to the case. The longer this goes unsolved, the more people die." Morris said.

"Or, it could be a major waste of time. I've done the whole psychic vision thing and it sucks." Carson said, crossing his arms. He was starting to get the feeling they were taking advantage of his lack of self-preservation instincts. Some small part of him saw the vial of mystery drugs as a sort of challenge, but he's trying not to let that part get the better of him.

"We'll compensate you well if you do this," Riley interjected from where she sat perched on the arm of Morris's couch.

"I've got money. Pass."

Riley and Morris still didn't appear to be giving up. They really thought that this little stunt would somehow help them solve the case, that's just how desperate they'd gotten. "Carson, I know it'll be unpleasant but you'll be absolutely fine and it could be really helpful." Said Riley. She was using that coercive voice that always rubbed Carson the wrong way.

Finally, he sighed and gave up a little bit of his resolve, "Fine, tell me more about it and I'll think about it."

Riley launched into an explanation,"Ok so we've seized samples of this drug at four different locations now where gangs of magic-users," Carson cleared his throat purposefully, "gangs of magicians are known to operate. A few officers have given detailed reports of magicians they've encountered while using the drug. We're not sure yet if it's recreational or if it poses some kind of advantage. We're hoping to figure that out. If magicians can use this substance to strengthen themselves and become more dangerous, we need to know."

"Or it could be some dumb party drug that plays with senses only magicians have," Carson suggested.

"Such as?"

"Magical energy is visible to us if we use our senses properly. It's always there but if you really look you can see each grain of energy. They're colorful, kind of tingles a bit if you touch it. I'm not sure exactly what other people see because I'm different. I see people's souls, their life energy, and the traces of it they leave behind. You can also kind of use it to spot magicians because magic will cling to them, unlike regular people."

"Hmm, if what you say is true..."

"Which it is," Carson interjected.

"...Then it could potentially be used as an advantage. We won't really know though until we have more data." Morris said.

Carson sighed and rubbed at his face, "I still don't like the sound of this. I'm not doing it."

"Umm," Riley said.

"What?"

"It's a little late for that."

Carson's eyes widened in anger, "what the fuck did you do?!"

"I had a feeling it would be hard to convince you so I might have just put a few drops into your coffee when you came in. Just a few drops, it probably won't even have an effect."

"And you let her do that?" He turned to the man sitting across from him.

Morris practically growled at her, "You'll have to excuse my junior detective. She gets a little ahead of herself," he said through clenched teeth.

"No, no, no...I didn't sign up for this," Carson gripped the arms of his chair like he was afraid it might just up and fly away.

"Riley, close the blinds please," he told her. She hopped up from the couch immediately and covered the window of his office, blocking it off from the rest of the station. "Maybe you should make yourself comfortable on the couch." He offered.

Carson eyed the leather couch longingly, "how could I possibly do that if I don't have legs?"

Morris blinked, "you what?"

"What?" Carson repeated cluelessly.

"Nevermind." He sighed then picked up a notepad off his desk, angrily scribbling something down. "There, just so I don't forget." He said with fake cheer as he slapped it onto his computer screen. Fire Officer Miller.

"Hey!" she protested.

Morris shot her a positively murderous glare which shut her up right away. "Help me with him."

Stepping around his desk, he approached Carson calmly and carefully. He tapped Carson's pant leg. "Feel that?"

"Yeah," Carson answered. "That's your left leg." He informed him. Carson's eyes widened in surprise as Morris proceeded to tap his other leg. "And that?"

"Mhmm."

"That's your right leg." Carson wiggled his toes experimentally as if he didn't entirely believe him.

"Doesn't that couch look comfortable? Wouldn't you rather sit there?" He asked slowly. Carson seemed to think about it for a second letting his glazed-over eyes trail across the leather sofa.

"Okay."

Together they got him on his feet and guided him over to the couch so that he was lying across it. Though she didn't express it, the guilt was obvious on Riley's face at what she had done.

"I really thought a couple drops wouldn't do anything..."

"Well, you thought wrong. You better hope he doesn't sue you when he sobers up later." Morris said seriously.

With Carson safely on the couch, they both breathed a sigh of relief and took a step back. He looked mostly okay except for his pupils which seemed a bit off.

"Now what?" She asked.

"Don't look at me. You did this."

Carson lifted one of his arms to swat at the air, smiling as he caught whatever it was that he saw there. "It's always so colorful. I wish I could look at the magic all the time." He mumbled.

"What kind of magic?" Morris asked.

"Hmmm, it's just traces of this or that. A little bit of me, a little bit of you. Time has a way of shedding human souls, bit by bit, until you die."

"Well that's pleasant," he grumbled, leaning back in his desk chair. This really wasn't how he planned to spend his day. Being the lead detective did come with some responsibilities he needed to tend to. In the back of his mind he reaffirmed his decision not to have kids, these two idiots were enough to deal with already. Following that train of thought he grabbed another sticky note and jotted something down about buying more hair dye for the grey hair this would inevitably give him.

Carson was oddly quiet, kind of in his own little world. So far nothing bad had happened. He just laid there looking stoned out of his mind. Half an hour passed before Carson sat up abruptly, looking around the corners of the room for something.

"What's wrong?" Riley asked.

"Pictures," Carson mumbled. "They just..." he grabbed his head in discomfort, "ugh."

"Does it hurt?" Morris asked, sounding concerned.

"It always hurts." A tiny trail of blood dripped down his nose which Riley stopped with a tissue before it could make a mess. Carson shoved her away, taking the tissue to hold for himself. He's had enough nosebleeds that even in this state he had the sense to dab it clean. Riley tried not to look offended as she rubbed at her forearm where he had pushed her. Despite sitting right in front of him, Carson didn't seem to be fully aware that Riley and Morris were even there, choosing instead to stare off into space, occasionally blinking or shaking his head. Riley wondered if this is what it would look like if he had visions while awake, minus the usual seizing.

"Even if he figures something out with this drug, it won't be of any use if he doesn't remember any of this." Morris commented to himself.

"I never forget," Carson responded, surprising them both when he suddenly acknowledged that they were there. There was a spark of lucidity in his eyes as he looked between them. It didn't last long though…

"How long does this usually last?" Asked Riley.

"It's barely been an hour, don't tell me you're bored already." He clipped, still irritated that she would go behind his back to do something as reckless as this. "Could last all day, we don't know much about it."

"All day?" Carson whimpered as he brought his legs up onto the couch so that he could curl into a little ball.

"It'll probably get worse too." Morris deadpanned. A small sound of fear escaped him as he started to twitch with nerves. They hadn't given much thought to how this drug might affect him differently than other magicians. While it might give them more raw power to fight with, his powers were more mental, more unique. The drug seemed to have more of an effect on his psychic abilities. Honestly, it was terrifying, there was no telling what might happen. Carson tried to keep it together and stay calm but it was a struggle just to sort out what was real. His vision was clouded by magic that swirled around the room, thrumming with life. That part wasn't so bad... It was the flashes, disorganized chaos of faces and memories and facts.

A steady hum rose in his ears like the chattering of a hundred voices. If he concentrated on picking out a singular voice he could catch little phrases. Just mundane thoughts like "I'm gonna be late to lunch", or "Maybe I should have brought a jacket today."

He looked straight ahead at Riley. "Why do his eyes look like that? Fuck, I'm in so much trouble. How was I supposed to know how potent this shit was? Maybe it's stronger because he's such a lightweight."

Carson wanted to refute that last part but it was true. No point in denying it. He turned his head to Morris who was attempting to get some paperwork done. "What am I gonna do with her? If she takes risks like that in the field someone could get seriously hurt. Maybe if someone slipped her some LSD she'd think twice about these things. Ah geez, now he's looking at me. Can he even see me?"

"I can see you," Carson said quietly.

Morris froze, not immediately making the connection that he was answering a question out loud that he had asked in his head. It sounded like just another disassociated comment. "What?"

"Just... I can see you." He clarified.

"Okay," said Riley, looking confused. "What's going on in there?" She asked.

"Lots of things. Lots of voices. Nothing very important. Not about..." Carson trailed off, forgetting why he even took the drug in the first place, "not about the case," he said finally.

"Like what?"

"The reception lady is wondering if she has time to go to her favorite sandwich place on her lunch break. And the guy at the desk is wondering if her tits are real."

"Wow, alright. Let's try to filter some of that out." Morris suggested.

"It seems like the drug really can amplify a person's magic. I mean, you can't read minds all the time right...?" Riley asked.

Carson abruptly stopped shaking his knee and looked at her, "Isn't this dangerous? I mean, who knows what could happen?" He asked. She shrugged, unable to answer either of those questions. They were really in the dark here. Riley felt a pang of sympathy. He seemed so out of it. She really thought that it wouldn't do anything in such a small amount. She watched as the blood suddenly drained from his face. It was scary how fast his skin turned white, even pulling any color he had in his lips. "What if He comes?" He asked suddenly. His tone was sincere, not scared, but concerned. He was actually glad that Morris knew about his secret in that moment.

"He's not going to come here. I'm sure He has more important things to do right? It's silly to worry about it," he said comfortingly. The logic was sound, but Carson was still paralyzed with fear.

"But what if I summon Him accidentally? I might not be able to control it," he said.

Morris was really getting nervous now. Carson was a bomb that could blow at any time. He had a feeling that there was much, much more to his magic than any of them knew. Suddenly jumping back, Carson went a shade paler, resembling more of a corpse now than a human. He shrank into the corner of the sofa. "...Do you see it?" His voice was barely audible. They both whipped their heads in the direction that Carson was looking. At first, it appeared empty, but there was something unsettling about it. Something you feel rather than see. After a few moments, they realized what they were looking at. The shadow in the corner was moving. It swirled and grew, and traveled like smoke. There was darkness there. More than there should be.

"O-Oh my god..." Riley stuttered. She fell back into the chair in front of Morris's desk. Morris perked up in his seat and leaned in toward Carson, time for damage control. His instincts told him that he needed to calm him down and fast. "Carson, look at me, there is nothing there. You are in control of what you do. I know you are scared right now. Just take a deep breath, I think I know something that could help."

Carson's eyes softened slightly, "what is it?" He was eager to put hope into whatever Morris was suggesting.

The older man turned in his chair and opened the lower-most drawer in his cabinet. In it was a half-empty bottle of whiskey and under that, a neatly folded blanket. He pulled out the blanket and closed the drawer. "Here, it's clean." He spread it over Carson. The change was immediate. He let his head fall back into the couch and pulled the blanket up to his face. He was right, it was clean. He could smell the laundry detergent on it, it smelled kind of like the brand Daniel uses. Riley and Morris both discreetly glanced into the corner to find that it had settled down. Morris sighed with relief. "That's better, isn't it?" He asked Carson, who didn't respond at first but ended up giving a tiny nod. Despite being calmer he was still pale and visibly shaking. "Rest for a while. I'm going to try to get a little paperwork done."

To their surprise, Carson agreed easily, closing his eyes. It made him feel like everything was normal and he could just take a nap. It wouldn't take long though before Carson would regret falling asleep…

Since Carson seemed to doze off almost immediately, Riley and Morris assumed they were in the clear. About ten blissful and uneventful minutes later, he stirred.

"Unngghh," he groaned miserably.

"What?" Riley turned to him but he was still asleep. He looked uncomfortable, in pain almost. She leaned forward to have a better look at him.

"Just leave him alone," Morris told her.

"What do you think he's thinking about right now?" Riley asked him curiously.

"Jesus Riley, where is your common sense? Look at him, you want to know what's going on in his head? I can almost guarantee it would scar your naive, little mind for the rest of your life." He was angry. She shrunk under his gaze. Now that Carson was asleep it was as good a time as any to start discussing her punishment. He peeled one of the sticky notes off his computer screen, the one that said Fire Officer Miller. He set it down so Riley could see it.

"You're not really going to fire me, are you?" She asked.

"I could. I have every reason to. The forms are right here actually," he pulled a folder out of one of his desk drawers threateningly. "Please don't... The reports said that magicians usually took a whole vial at once. Three drops are next to nothing," she reasoned. "If I didn't do this he might have taken the whole thing, then what would have happened?"

Damn her, she had a point. Without this little experiment of hers, they would have assumed he should try to normal dosage, and judging by the effect it has had on Carson so far, a whole vial could be catastrophic. Morris paled visibly, "I'd really like to make it through the day without having to evacuate the entire block."

He tapped the edge of the folder on his desk, lost in thought although Riley assumed he was still trying to send her a message. "Please don't fire me, it won't happen again."

"Damn right it won't. I'm thinking... three weeks suspension should be enough time for you to think about your actions. Unpaid. And I want a one-page essay on how you can be a better detective, every day until the suspension is over." Morris said.

Riley frowned, "You want 21 one page essays?"

"Did I say one page? I meant three."

Riley pulled at her hair in frustration, "Fine, fine. I'll do it. But what about the upcoming field test next week? Can I still take that? The next chance to do it would be three months from now..."

"Oh darn, guess you'll have to wait," Morris said with absolutely no sympathy for her. Riley knew better than to keep begging him. He'd just tack on more and more to her suspension if she continued to protest. "Over 60 pages of writing, that's twice as long as my thesis paper," she mumbled to herself quietly.

"If you don't want to do it, you could always quit. I have forms for that too," he told her.

"Aren't you being too mean?" She whined.

Morris groaned internally. Riley tested every last shred of patience he had on a daily basis but in some twisted way, each mistake she made just made him want to help her more. He sighed, "It's my job to train you to be a detective. If you're not ready for that responsibility, then you're not ready, end of story." Carson continued to stir every minute or so but he still looked more comfortable than he did when he was awake.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He found himself in the middle of a dream. As was typical of dreams, his surroundings didn't quite make sense and he seemed to fall into it at a completely random point with no idea how it all started. He sat up, realizing he was still on the couch in Morris's office only, it wasn't Morris's office. It wasn't even the same couch. This one was a beige tweed fabric, a stark contrast to the neat, leather sofa Morris had. Carson planted his feet on the floor noticing that that was different too. Most of the station had replaced all carpeting with tiles but here the floor was covered with a very dark green carpet that looked like it belonged in a movie theater.

A chill ran down his spine as he exited the small office, stepping into the open station. It was quieter than he'd ever seen it. Every single desk was empty and only half the lights were on. They seemed to be leading him somewhere. Carson walked through the dimly lit section of the station that took him towards the hallway that the break room was in. The whole place looked unsettling but Carson wasn't scared. He had that disassociated feeling that came with dreams, reassuring him that nothing he was seeing was real.

Carson walked slowly, he peered into some of the rooms in the hallway but they were all dark so he moved on from them. An overhead light flickered to life, illuminating a sign that said "Interrogation rooms" Carson had been down this hallway once before but everything was subtly different. For example, he didn't remember there being a door at the very end of the hallway. A distant memory provided him with the image of a potted plant, maybe a drinking fountain there, but not a door. And surely it was no coincidence that that was the only one with a strip of light shining out from underneath. He proceeded to the interrogation room, not once questioning what might be inside. As soon as he opened the door and crossed the threshold the light in the room got brighter, blinding him for a moment. When he blinked his vision clear he had magically jumped from the doorway to the table where he sat, handcuffed to one side, with a strange man sitting at the other.

"Sure took you long enough to get here, Carson," he said. His voice was deep and raspy. The man wore a police uniform but something told him he wasn’t a cop.

"How do you know my name?" Carson asked.

"I've been waiting for you to join me for a very long time."

Fear pulsed through Carson's veins at the sound of his voice. Every word out of the man's mouth felt like a wet tongue gliding over his ear. He wanted to brush it away but his hands were cuffed to the table. Which was also something that couldn’t be a coincidence.

"What side are you on?" Carson asked weakly.

"Yours, of course." The man smiled, flashing a set of yellowed teeth.

Carson shivered and squirmed in his seat. The light above them flickered and he swore he saw the man tense.  He started talking again, more urgently now. "All I want is for our people to be free. Don't you want that, Carson? Don't you want to be able to use your magic in any way you please? Is that not our right?" He bombarded him with questions. The light flickered again. He was running out of time.

"Promise me that when the time comes, you'll be on our side. Promise me!" He stood up, showing his full height. Carson cringed, seeing he was well over 6ft tall. There was something very wrong and twisted about that image. It looked like his spine had been stretched out to an inhuman length and as he leaned over the table, his arms stretched out as well, curling like tentacles. At some point this dream had become a nightmare and Carson wasn’t even sure when. Hands came to wind around his neck, squeezing his windpipe like a snake constricting its prey. Carson kicked and thrashed, trying to free his hands but it was no use. The strength was too much to overcome. He knew that immediately. 'I'm going to die, I'm really going to die like this... His mind repeated as his body struggled. Then suddenly the light went out and the room was filled with darkness. Carson felt a cold rush of air as the pressure finally eased up on his throat. He knew this darkness of course, it was Death. He should have been scared yet he felt so, so relieved by its presence.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carson gasped, his eyes snapping open. At first, he had no idea where he was. His vision was swimming and there were hands on him, belonging to more than one person. When his vision cleared he could make out Riley and Morris hovering over him. They breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh god," Morris breathed, "if we didn't get your hands away you would have killed yourself."

Carson coughed harshly, turning away from them slightly. "What... what are you talking about?" He rubbed at his sore neck, making Morris flinch, thinking he might start choking again.

"One second you were asleep, the next you were strangling yourself. I was about to call in more officers to come hold you down because you wouldn't let go." Morris explained.

"Why would I do that?"

"You tell me."

"There was a man, he was… I woke up in your office, except it wasn’t your office and…” Carson said, not making any sense. He started to sit up, slowly piecing things together. Without any warning he threw himself onto the floor, scratching at the carpet, "it was green. I swear it was."

"What was green? The carpet?" Riley asked.

"Yeah, dark green."

"Might have been back when I first started working here about 20 years ago." Morris added. If that detail of the dream was real, what else was? Carson stood up and walked out of the office before either of them could stop him. Carson ignored everyone else as he retraced his steps. He headed straight for the interrogation rooms. Riley practically had to run to catch up with him. She bumped into another officer on her way, barely mumbling an apology as she continued after Carson who she found standing where the hallway forked, leading to other rooms and offices.

"What the hell are you looking for?" She asked.

"It was right there," he pointed at the blank wall at the end of the hallway. His memory had been spot on in that there really were a couple of potted plants and a drinking fountain there. Certainly no door. "What does it mean? It was right there."

"Come on, let's go back," she pulled on his arm to urge him to follow her but to her surprise, Carson fell straight into her.

"Oof," she nearly lost her balance but managed to get one of his arms over her shoulder so she could haul him back to Morris's office. Riley locked the door behind them.

"Well?" Morris asked.

"I think he's lost his mind," she said breathing heavily.

"Maybe not. I called Janice and she emailed me this picture of the station in the late ‘90s."

Riley walked around his desk to get a look at the computer. "That's green alright."

Carson sank back into the couch shakily. Adrenaline had cleared his mind for a moment but as his heart rate went down, the hazy effects of the drug returned. He couldn't get those images out of his head. Who was that? How did he know him? Carson tipped over onto his side and squeezed his eyes shut. He felt like he was on a psychic carousel that never stopped spinning. The input going through his head varied from being debilitating to being more of an itch in his mind that he couldn't scratch. If he tuned into it and really listened, it was still there, all the voices and thoughts and memories of everyone nearby. All he could do now was pray that they would go away after the drug wore off.

[connordavidscamera]

Love Notes | Connor Brashier

A/n: I would like to thank the person in the dorm next to me for inspiring this meet cute situation. *there might be a part 2 or a blurb to follow this because there is a specific part that isn’t in here that I promised Rina.

Summary: someone on your floor has been playing piano and you can’t not love it. (college!AU)

Warnings: none

Word count: 3.5k

***

It’s been one of those days. You know the one where you’re awake, you’re alive, but you can’t seem to focus on anything. You’re going through the motions, but you can’t sit still, can’t pay attention in your lecture, can’t get yourself to work on a homework assignment for more than five whole minutes. Yeah, it’s one of those. I’ve been alternating between scrolling through my phone and working on this five page essay that’s due Friday that I currently only have an introduction for. Well… if you consider two sentences an introduction. My professor definitely would not. 

I sigh and toss my phone on my bed, where it bounces and lands on the floor with a loud thud. I groan and run my hands over my face, maybe I just need caffeine. However, getting said caffeine would mean walking all the way across campus for a $5 cup from Starbucks that definitely would not keep me awake without a few extra espresso shots. It’s not worth it. But then again, maybe the walk outside would do me good. (Not that it did this morning when I was walking to class.) 

I’m grabbing my shoes from my closet when the first note fills the room. And then the second and the third. At first, I think I’m imagining it, maybe it’s coming from my computer, but then I remember that I didn’t have music on. The notes get faster, louder, almost more aggressive, like the person playing them is pushing harder on the keys. But it still sounds so pretty - I might be a little biased though because I’ve always been a sucker for piano. I’ve always wanted to learn how to play too, but I never had the chance to take classes.I stand there for a while, just listening. It’s so pretty, soothing. 

It takes me a minute too long to figure out what the song is, because every time I think I have it, I’m wrong. But it’s a popular song. Not new though. At least a few years old. One that was played on every radio station for months and months. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, I finally decide. And that’s when the melody comes to me and I find myself humming along to it. And that’s when I realize that I’ve finally focused on something for more than a second. 

The notes continue to fill the room as I look over at my abandoned paper. Their fingers on the keys though, are slowing down just as I sit in my chair, convinced that if they just keep playing a little bit longer, I can get through maybe half of this essay. And much to my delight, they do keep playing once they finish the other song. It stops for just a moment though, probably to think of another one to play. This one I don’t recognize at all, but it’s soothing and while they continue to heat each beautiful, melodic note, I type away at my computer. 

My two sentences quickly become ten, then fifteen, then twenty, then thirty and I’m on a roll. Before I know it, I’m working my way down my third page and the playing still hasn’t stopped. To anyone else this is probably the most annoying thing to hear, because who in their right mind would be playing the piano for, I glance at my clock, an hour and fifteen minutes straight? And I definitely don’t have an answer. At least not right now. But I’m gonna find one. I close my laptop and shove my feet in the shoes I had taken out of my closet earlier. I don’t close my door completely when I step out of my room, knowing that I’ll go back in just as soon as I find the source of the notes. They get louder as I make my way down the hallway. I stop in front of the door where I’m 99.9% sure the music is coming from. Room 1327. 

Cautiously, I press my ear against the door and am once again met with the aggressive taps on the keyboard. I take in a deep breath and nod before heading quickly back to my room. I grab a stack of sticky notes from my desk and a sharpie. I scribble out a few words and then rush back out to the room. Half of me says not to do this. To leave it alone. But the other half of me says that whoever lives behind that door needs to be told that they play beautifully. Which is exactly what the note you stick on their door says. Just three simple words and a smiley face.

‘You play beautifully. :)’

And with that I go back to your room to grab my bag and keys, now in desperate need of that caffeine I was craving only an hour ago. I lock the door behind me and head to the main exit, opposite of what is going to easily become my favorite room, if they continue to play like they are now. I open the door to the closing notes of “The Scientist.”

When I come back, much later than I anticipated (but I guess that’s what happens when you go to the only open Starbucks on campus at eight at night, with an abundance of due dates fast approaching.) my eyes are threatening to close on me - despite the two extra espresso shots I added to my order. I don’t notice it until I’m at my door, key in the lock, that the music hasn’t stopped. And being the oh-so nosy person I am, I make my way down to the magical room 1327 and notice my note is missing. I smile softly and I hope - selfishly - that they play just long enough for me to fall asleep. 

I trudge back into my room and the first thing I notice is all the lights are on, which means my roommate, Tara, is back. She’s not a huge fan of the dark when alone, always keeping at least two of the lights on when I’m not in the room. She’s laying on her side, with her phone in her hand and her earphones in. I move farther into the room, turning off the bathroom light on my way to my desk. I set my bag on my chair and toss my keys on the smooth, although kinda crowded, desktop. She sits up, pulling her earphones out. “Hey.”

“Hey, sorry I’m back so late. Starbucks was packed. And then I ran into one of my friends and we got a bite to eat.”

“It’s okay. Do you hear that?” She asks quickly.

“Hear what?”

“The piano. Do you hear it?”

“Oh that? Yeah, they were playing before I left.”

“Yeah, well they’ve been playing for almost two hours now. Nonstop. It’s driving me crazy.”

I shrug and reach for a fresh pair of pajamas, “I don’t know. I think it sounds nice. I’m gonna go shower.” 

I don’t hear the music in the bathroom, but that’s definitely because I’m playing my own, needing something that could wake me up just enough for me to get through my shower without passing out from complete exhaustion. I’m disappointed to find that the notes are no longer filling the room when I get out of the bathroom. It’s strange, but I already kinda miss them.

---

Mystery piano person continues to play for the next week, sometimes repeating songs from the day before, but mostly playing new ones. I wonder if they knew these all previously or if they’re just learning as they go. Sometimes it’s hard to tell, but that could just depend on the difficulty of the song, I guess. I tug on the sleeves of my jacket, pulling it off my shoulders before going to my desk to write another note for the piano person. 

‘Still beautiful. But aren’t you scared your fingers will fall off with all that tapping? Lol :)’

I leave the room to put the note on their door when I notice one already there. I scrunch up my face. The one I left yesterday was already gone by the time I got back to the dorm last night, and it was written on an obnoxiously bright pink sticky note. This one, however, is blue. I don’t want to be nosy, but I can’t help but read it when I go to place mine. 

‘Thanks for the notes. Glad you like it. Have a favorite so far?’

I stare at the writing for a while, it’s scribbly, and small (half of the sticky note is left untouched), but legible enough. It’s  Part of me thinks I shouldn’t reply. Because if it’s not for me then that would be totally awkward. But if it is, it would be rude not to answer, right? I scurry back to my room to get a pen. I’ll answer, I decide. There’s no reason not to. 

‘Yellow - Coldplay’

The music stops on the other side and I quickly run back to my room, not wanting to get caught. Because sure this isn’t wrong or anything, but some part of it feels… intrusive. I hear the door opening just as I’m shutting mine and I so desperately want to peek out and see who mystery piano person is, but that would give me away as well. And even though we live on the same floor, I’ve hardly met anyone that wasn’t Tara and a few girls that lived down the hall, and I’m not quite ready for that yet. 

---

It goes on like this for another two weeks, passing notes back and forth. Him asking for feedback - I usually have none. He thinks I’m lying, says there’s always room for improvement. I tell him that since I don’t have a background in music, I have no room to judge. He asks if he can teach me. I tell him maybe someday. 

‘Okay Yellow, we’ve been at this for weeks. You gonna tell me your name yet?’

I smile at the nickname. 

‘Not today, piano man. Soon.’

‘Fine. But you know my room number. Can I have that at least?’

I think it over. It seems only fair that he knows that.

‘1320.’

The note is not on his door the next day. It’s on mine. But I don’t respond to this one. I don’t have time. 

And when I get back to my room later in the evening, the note was still there, untouched, unanswered. And even though I wanted to, I didn’t have the energy to respond. I was spent. It was one of the rougher days. One thing just piling on top of the other until it’s like that one chair that has all your clothes on it that’s not necessarily dirty, but you wore it for a few hours so it’s not clean enough to hang back up. You know the chair that becomes the biggest fucking inconvenience when you need to work at your desk so you have to throw all the clothes on your bed only to throw it back on the chair when you want to lay down. 

Yeah, my day was pretty much that chair. I woke up late thanks to my alarm that just didn’t go off? So I was running really late, and I had to sprint to my first class, and I was still late. Then when I went to get coffee, the line was long, and when I finally got my drink I had a total of two sips before someone bumped into me and I dropped the cup on the ground outside the building of my next class. Then there was a pop quiz in said class that I’m quite sure I failed because I don’t think our professor had even covered half of what was on that test. Then my phone died and in my rush to get to class, I left my charger in the dorm. And the cherry on top of this already melting sundae, I locked myself out of my room. I swore I had it when I was leaving, but as I retrace my steps, I remember leaving it right there on the bathroom counter. And it’s just my luck that Tara won’t be back until after midnight tonight because she’s closing at work. I let out a loud groan and take a seat across from my door, legs crossed in front of me. 

I know I should work on my homework that’s due at the end of the week (in literally just two days, actually) but my computer is on the verge of dying too, so there’s no point. I pull out the book I’ve had stuffed in my bag for days, in hopes of finding some time to read it. I guess with nothing to do for the next four and a half hours, I could read. 

I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting there, but I notice about ninety pages in that the familiar sound of piano man is not filling my ears. 

“Locked out?” Someone says, the first one that I’ve seen come down the hallway since I’ve been here actually. I knew this floor was pretty dead, but I didn’t ever notice that it was this dead. 

I chuckle bitterly, “Yeah. Just a little bit.”

“Is your roommate on their way?” 

I shake my head, “No, she won’t be back until late.”

“Did you call the RA on duty?”

I hold up my phone which rested beside me - habit, I guess, to take it out of my back pocket in case I get notifications, “Phone’s dead.”

“You can use mine, if you’d like.”

I shake my head, “No, it’s okay. Thank you.”

“Well, it’s cold out here. Why don’t you come to my room? You can charge your phone and get off this dusty floor that I don’t think has been cleaned since we got back from break,” he says light-heartedly. 

I can’t help but laugh, “You have a point there. Okay… sure. But I have to ask you something first.”

“Shoot,” he holds his hand out to help me off the ground.

“What’s your name?”

He looks down with an embarrassed smile on his face. “I’m Connor. And you are…?”

“Y/n.”

“Well, y/n. It’s nice to meet you. Uh, my room’s this way.” He takes the lead and I sling my bag over my shoulder. I think my heart stops when we get to his room. Room 1327. Fuck. 

He frowns for a second, looking from his door to mine just once before opening the door. “After you,” he pushes the door open and I smile sheepishly before entering. Sure enough, there’s a keyboard against the far wall, where the window overlooks campus. The odd number rooms definitely got the better views. I stand awkwardly near the wall, allowing him to walk through and set his stuff down. 

“You can sit down. Let me just, move some of this stuff real quick,” he takes his towel off his desk chair and takes his shoes from under the desk, throwing them carelessly to the corner. “Sorry, it’s a little bit messy. It’s laundry day tomorrow, so there’s shit everywhere. Please, sit.” He gestures to the chair and I do, setting my bag down next to me, leaning against one of the legs of the desk. “Do you want something to drink? I have water and… no that’s about it. I need to go grocery shopping, too.” He laughs. 

“Thanks, Connor. But I’m fine.” 

“Okay,” he nods, sitting down at the stool in front of the keyboard. “Oh! Charger,” he stands up and goes over to his nightstand. “May I?” he holds his hand out and I nod, handing him my phone from my back pocket. “Sorry, I’d plug it in over there, but that outlet is fucked. Hasn’t worked since I moved in here.”

“No, it’s fine, really.”

Slowly he makes his way back to the keyboard, facing me, away from the setting sun. I spare a glance behind him and notice the bright pink sticky notes that rest on the wall beside the window. They’re my notes, every single one of them. I clear my throat. “Um, I’m assuming you’re the one who’s been playing the past few weeks.”

He cringes, “Yeah, sorry about that. It’s just how I’ve been destressing recently. It’s probably been getting on everyone’s nerves.”

“Not everyone’s… you play beautifully.”

He doesn’t say anything for a second, and then clears his throat, looking down at his feet. “Uh, thanks.”

“How long have you been playing?”

“It’s actually a pretty recent hobby. My friend started teaching me like last March, I think. And then I started watching a lot of videos on YouTube and I got pretty good at it, I guess. I mean, I won’t be selling out any arenas or anything like that.”

I laugh softly, “Well, I would definitely buy a ticket.”

I swear I see his cheeks tint pink, “Do you play?” He asks, avoiding the compliment. 

“No,” I shake my head. “I’ve always wanted to learn, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have a musical bone in my body.”

“I don’t think that’s true.”

“Oh it is. I uh, I auditioned for my school musical in like fifth grade. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone cover their ears so quickly.” I laugh and his eyes crinkle at the sides as he tries his hardest not to. “It was definitely not one of my shining moments. Yeah, I told myself that day not to even think about starting a career in music.”

“Were you singing?”

I nod. 

“Okay, well singing isn’t playing. And if you ask me, the notes, the chords, that’s what makes the music, not the words. Although those are important too.”

“Can you sing?”

“My shower head hasn’t told me to stop yet.” he jokes. And when I laugh, genuinely this time, he just watches me for a minute. “So you like yellow,” he says, turning to face the keyboard.

“I’m sorry?”

“The song. You said it was your favorite one that I’ve played.”

I sigh, “What gave me away?”

“‘You play beautifully.’”

“Well, it’s true. However, my preference did change since you last asked me. And don’t think I haven’t noticed that you now play yellow at least twice every day.”

He’s really blushing now. “Gotta keep the audience happy.” His fingers press gently over the keys not settling on a melody yet. “What’s your new favorite then?”

“You played ‘happier’’ the other day. I’ve never heard it on piano like that. I really liked it.”

He nods and starts playing the opening notes to it. “Now, I told you I wasn’t a singer,” he looks back at me, “but I’ll try it just for my biggest fan.”

I roll my eyes, “Oh shut up.”

“‘When the morning comes and we see what we’ve become, in the cold light oh na na na na na na na na…’ definitely don’t know those words.” He smiles and I think my heart melts at the sight. “‘Every argument, every word we can’t take back. Cause with all that has happened, I think that we both know the way that this story ends.’”

He continues through the song, but doesn’t continue singing after the first chorus. I’m sitting here, watching his fingers dance across the keys like they were made for it. He moves his body with each note and I am absolutely mesmerized. I know I’ve always loved piano, but watching him do this makes me love it even more.

“God, you’re perfect.” I mutter when he’s done and immediately cover my mouth because holy fuck, I said that out loud. 

“Well, I wouldn’t say perfect.” He turns back to face me. “You’d have to get to know me more before you could make that assumption. And I can guarantee that you will not feel the same way after.”

I shake my head, covering my face with my hands. “I’m sorry. I really did not mean to say that out loud.”

“It’s cool,” he waves it off. “Although, I wasn’t kidding about getting to know me. Because I’d love to get to know you.”

I clear my throat, removing my hands from my face. “Well, I’m free right now,” I say, crossing one leg over the other, this newfound confidence foreign to me. 

“Can I take you to dinner? Or to get coffee, if you’ve already eaten.”

“Right now?”

“Why not? You said you’re free, right?”

I nod, “Yeah. Yeah.”

“Okay, then it’s a date.”

“A date?” I question with a raised eyebrow.

“First dates are usually meant to get to know each other, aren’t they? And hopefully this isn’t too forward. But I think I have an idea for our second one too.”

“Oh you do? Well someone’s optimistic.”

“Only when it counts. So, may I?”

“May you what?”

“May I, Connor,” he stands from his seat and holds his hand out to me, “take you, y/n, on a date? Right now?”

I bite the inside of my cheek, “Yeah,” I finally say, placing my hand in his, “Yes, you may.” He pulls me to my feet and we’re so close. He smells nice, clean, with just the slightest hint of cologne that I can’t quite place. But I know it’s easily becoming my favorite scent already. 

***

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